Achilles Tendon Rupture
A rupture of your Achilles tendon can seriously affect your mobility and activity level. The experts at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio in Mentor, Chardon, Westlake, Bedford and Garfield Heights, Ohio, use minimally invasive techniques to repair your Achilles tendon and get you back to activity as soon as possible. For a consultation regarding your Achilles tendon rupture, call or book an appointment online today.
Achilles Tendon Rupture Q & A
What is an Achilles tendon rupture?
An Achilles tendon rupture is an injury to the tendon that runs up the back of your heel. This tendon is a strong, fibrous cord that connects your calf muscles to the heel. It is necessary for walking.
Achilles tendons are strong but can be overstretched. When this happens, most often when playing sports, it can cause a partial tear or a complete rupture.
Achilles tendon ruptures are not uncommon and affect middle-aged men more often than any other group. Usually, a rupture is the result of pushing off a planted foot with a straight knee. Falls from heights and severe ankle injuries can also rupture the Achilles tendon.
What are the symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture?
If your Achilles tendon tears or ruptures, you could feel a pop, and then find you are unable to walk properly, due to pain in your ankle and/or lower leg. In some cases, especially if the rupture is not complete, you might not feel pain initially.
Symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture include:
- A popping sound or feeling in the back of your leg
- A feeling of being kicked in the back of your calf
- Pain or swelling near your heel
- An inability to point your toes or push off when walking
- An inability to put weight on your toes
- Weakness in your ankle or foot
If you think you have a ruptured your Achilles tendon, it is important you see a doctor immediately, especially if you are unable to walk.
What treatments are available for a ruptured Achilles tendon?
Several surgical and nonsurgical options are available at Foot & Ankle Specialists of Ohio. Depending on the severity of your tear or rupture, treatment can include immobilization, rehabilitation, and return to activity.
However, if your rupture is severe and is affecting your mobility, surgery might be necessary to repair the tendon. Open or minimally invasive surgical repairs are available.
Your medical team utilizes a minimally invasive method called percutaneous Achilles repair system (PARS). With this technique, a small incision is made in the back of the ankle through which the doctor is able to access and repair the tendon. This allows for a quicker return to full activity and less potential for infections after surgery.
For a consultation about your Achilles tendon repair, call or book an appointment online today.