Achilles Tendon Ruptures are Painful and Serious
One of the most painful injuries of the feet and ankles is a ruptured Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is thick and long. On one end, it attaches to your heel bone; on the other end, the tendon is embedded in your calf muscle. Ruptures, or tears, in the Achilles tendon can be partial or complete. Both are painful and need the attention of a podiatric physician.
Achilles tendon ruptures often happen to those who play sports that involve running, jumping, and abrupt changes in speed, such as tennis, soccer, and basketball. But any movement that places enormous stress on the Achilles tendon can rupture it. Martha Stewart famously stepped into a hole and ruptured her Achilles earlier this summer- an example of excessive force on that part of the lower leg that can happen to anyone.
Symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture include
- pain and tenderness just above the back of the heel
- swelling
- bruising
- inability to stand on your toes or point them downward
- loss of range of motion in your ankle
- a popping noise or sensation at the moment of impact or injury
Long recovery times are common
It can take many months for an Achilles tendon rupture to heal completely. Treatment involves rest, icing, medications that help reduce inflammation, stretching exercises, and physical therapy. It’s also important not to return to activities too soon. Finally, surgery to repair the torn Achilles may be an option.
Our experienced podiatric surgeons, Dr. Craig B. Frey, Dr. Megan L. Oltmann, and Dr. Jim Swienconek, can examine your Achilles tendon, determine the extent of your injury, and recommend the best course of treatment. Call Foot & Ankle Associates of Cleveland in Solon, Ohio at (440) 903-1041 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. We offer a modern office with the latest technology for podiatric patients in Portage, Geauga, Cuyahoga, and Summit Counties, proudly serving our patients from Solon, Aurora, Bedford, Chagrin Falls, Hudson, Macedonia, and Twinsburg.
