Torn Achilles tendon

The Achilles tendon, otherwise known as the heel tendon, is the largest and also the strongest tendon in the human body, which derives its name from the mythical hero from under Troy – Achilles. It is located in the posterior part of the shin, where it extends between the calf and the heel. It is formed by the tendon of the gastrocnemius muscle and the sheath muscle, which together form the triceps calf muscle. The Achilles tendon is about 15 cm long and 5 mm thick. It ends with a wide attachment at the calcaneal tuberosity.

It performs an extremely important function during walking and running, as it enables sole flexion at the ankle joint, which allows the foot to lift and smoothly transfer body weight. Among other things, it is to it that we owe the ability to stand on our toes. The heel tendon is formed of strong fibrous tissue. Due to its poor blood supply, it is particularly susceptible to ruptures, tears and other damage. Injuries to this structure impair the mechanics of the lower limb and, consequently, the normal gait pattern

Well, the Achilles tendon, like any structure of its kind in the human body, can be damaged if too much force is applied to it. An injury to the heel tendon can be acute or chronic. The former is the most common injury seen in athletes. Typically, acute rupture of the Achilles tendon occurs in people who participate in sports that require a strong push off of the foot, such as divers, soccer players or runners.

Damage to the heel tendon can accompany a sprain or dislocation of the ankle joint. This occurs as a result of sudden and excessive dorsal (upward) flexion of the foot, which causes the tendon to stretch unexpectedly and tear or rupture. Such an injury is not difficult to occur in people who lead sedentary lifestyles. It promotes the formation of contractures in the calf muscles. Rupture of the Achilles in this group is usually the result of inadequate physical activity, which is most often not preceded by a warm-up.

In addition, damage to the heel tendon can also be chronic. Then it is the result of pathological factors acting on it for a long time, which weaken its strength. These include:

• chronic inflammatory processes involving the heel tendon or its sheath,
• systemic diseases such as gout, systemic lupus erythematosus,
• Cushing’s syndrome or rheumatoid arthritis,
• tendinopathies, or chronic pain syndromes caused by recurrent a recurrent tendon overload,
• long-term intake of oral corticosteroids in anti-inflammatory doses,
• injection of steroid preparations in the vicinity of the Achilles tendon,
• intake of antibiotics from the fluoroquinolone group by children.

Achilles tendon rupture most often occurs in men between the ages of 30 and 40. Usually the injury occurs in the left leg.

Torn Achilles tendon

Chronic damage to the Achilles tendon, which can cause its rupture, manifests itself in long-lasting pain of moderate intensity and swelling of the area. The discomfort worsens after physical activity. However, a large group of patients do not feel any symptoms. Then the first sign of damage to the Achilles tendon may be the appearance of complaints indicative of its rupture. Characteristic symptoms include:

• A sudden snap and severe pain radiating to the heel,
• a feeling as if someone had hit the calf,
• inability to walk, limping,
• inability to stand on tiptoe,
• swelling,
• increased warmth,
• hematoma.

If the symptoms mentioned above appear, you should immediately go to the orthopedic emergency room. The leg with a ruptured Achilles should be relieved as much as possible, do not stand on it and limit its mobility. Symptoms indicative of chronic damage rather than rupture of the Achilles tendon require a scheduled consultation at an orthopedic clinic. For this, you can make an appointment with one of our specialists at Medi Horizon Clinic in Warsaw. We also offer assistance in urgent cases, which include Achilles tendon rupture.

In order to achieve the best possible mobilty after an Achilles tendon injury, rehabilitation is essential. During the first week after surgery of torn Achilles tendon, until the sutures are removed and the patient is immobilized, we recommend using elbow crutches and not putting any weight on the operated leg. During the follow-up visit, the orthopedic surgeon will remove the stitches and recommend further rehabilitation. Its goal is to restore full mobility of the ankle joint, strengthen the triceps calf muscle and activate the scar after surgery. The rehabilitation process takes place under the guidance of a qualified physiotherapist.

Torn Achilles tendon

Torn Achilles tendon – The recovery period after an Achilles tendon injury depends on the severity of the injury, the treatment, and the course of the postoperative period. It takes time to achieve the full effects of both conservative and surgical treatment. It usually takes about 6 months to return to full activity. Throughout this period, our patients are under the supervision of one of our orthopedic doctors.

At Medi Horizon Clinic in Warsaw, we offer modern and minimally invasive procedures for the treatment of damaged Achilles tendon. We are distinguished by our individual approach to each patient. Our doctors select the appropriate methods of treatment and correction taking into account the patient’s requirements. Come in for a consultation with one of our Specialists!