Matthew-boes-snc
Appt : (919) 863-6845
Make an Online Appointment
  • shoulder-arthrocscopy
  • rotar-cuff-tear
  • knee-arthroscopy
  • Acl-reconstruction
  • trusted-sports

Achilles Tendon Rupture: An Athlete’s Achilles’ Heel

plantar-fasciitis-matthew-boesYour Achilles tendon serves to connect your heel bone to your calf muscle and plays an important role in many of your daily motions: walking, jumping, running all depend on a healthy and functioning Achilles tendon. The tendon is vulnerable to injury, most commonly a rupturing or tearing of the tendon.

What Can Cause An Achilles Tendon To Rupture?

Certain things can put you at risk for experiencing an Achilles tendon rupture. Recreational athletes are particularly more susceptible to the injury, with men being five times more likely than women to experience it. Although the tear can result from a forceful trauma to the back of the heel, it is most often caused by a sudden flexing of the ankle, as can happen during sports play. This same motion can occur as a result of a trip, fall or jump. Below are some ways you can lessen your risk of experiencing a ruptured Achilles tendon.

  • Stretching and strengthening calf muscles helps relieve the strain on the Achilles tendon and increase its range of motion. A strong Achilles tendon is nothing without strong calf muscles to back it!
  • As always, be careful of where and what surfaces you are running on. Smooth running surfaces are the key to safety.
  • Beware of the “weekend warrior effect” which is commonly seen as a cause of Achilles tendon injuries – i.e. when usually sedentary individuals suddenly place undue stress on the tendon during “pick up” sports or other rare recreational activity.

Treatment of Achilles Tendon Rupture

An Achilles tendon rupture will present itself as a sudden, stabbing pain in the back of the ankle with difficulty walking after the injury. There may be swelling, and a gap that can be felt just above the heel. Your doctor may have you lie down and try to engage your calf muscle; if your foot doesn’t flex automatically it’s assumed your tendon has ruptured. Treatments for a ruptured tendon include:

  • Surgery that stitches the tendon back together.
  • Wearing a cast and allowing your tendon to heal back together on its own over time.

The specific treatment selected depends on many factors, such as age, usual activity level, and associated medical conditions. If you suspect an Achilles tendon injury, call Matthew Boes M.D. early so that appropriate evaluation and treatment may be instituted.

4,094 comments on “Achilles Tendon Rupture: An Athlete’s Achilles’ Heel

  1. My brother suggested I might like this blog. He was entirely right. This post truly made my day. You can not imagine simply how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!

  2. Useful info. Lucky me I discovered your web site by accident, and I’m surprised why this coincidence didn’t happened in advance! I bookmarked it.

  3. I¡¦ve been exploring for a little bit for any high quality articles or blog posts in this sort of area . Exploring in Yahoo I ultimately stumbled upon this website. Studying this information So i¡¦m happy to exhibit that I have a very just right uncanny feeling I found out just what I needed. I such a lot undoubtedly will make certain to don¡¦t disregard this website and provides it a look regularly.

  4. I’m so happy to read this. This is the kind of manual that needs to be given and not the random misinformation that is at the other blogs. Appreciate your sharing this greatest doc.

  5. You made some first rate points there psosjkdd. I regarded on the internet for the issue and located most individuals will associate with with your website.

  6. 4x4 hardtops says:

    http://education-connection.pissedconsumer.com/Education connection,education connection reviews/education connection complaints/education connection reviews and complaints

  7. I blog often and I genuinely thank you for your content. Your article has really peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your site and keep checking for new information about once a week. I subscribed to your Feed as well.

  8. you’re in point of fact a good webmaster. The site loading velocity is amazing. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. Moreover, The contents are masterwork. you have performed a magnificent activity in this subject!

  9. Excellent post! We will be linking to this particularly great post on our site. Keep up the good writing.

  10. salazar says:

    Wonderful article! This is the type of information that are supposed to be shared around the net. Shame on Google for now not positioning this submit higher! Come on over and discuss with my site . Thank you =)|

  11. Thanks a lot for giving everyone such a superb chance to read articles and blog posts from this web site. It can be very pleasing and as well , stuffed with a good time for me personally and my office acquaintances to search your site more than thrice in 7 days to study the newest stuff you will have. Not to mention, I’m also at all times amazed concerning the stunning hints you serve. Certain two ideas in this article are completely the very best we have ever had.

  12. Bangla Choti says:

    Everything is very open with a very clear explanation of the challenges. It was truly informative. Your site is very useful. Many thanks for sharing!

  13. Branding  says:

    I loved as much as you will receive carried out right here. The sketch is tasteful, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get got an edginess over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come more formerly again as exactly the same nearly very often inside case you shield this increase.

  14. I like what you guys are usually up too odpdoss. This kind of clever work and coverage! Keep up the superb works guys I’ve incorporated you guys to blogroll.

  15. Souza Hausen says:

    As I site possessor I believe the content matter here is rattling fantastic , appreciate it for your hard work. You should keep it up forever! Best of luck.

  16. I enjoy you because of all your work on this blog. Gloria take interest in engaging in internet research and it is simple to grasp why. I know all about the powerful medium you offer worthwhile tactics on this blog and as well as improve contribution from others on that theme while my child is actually starting to learn a great deal. Have fun with the remaining portion of the year. You’re conducting a pretty cool job.

  17. You really make it seem really easy along with your presentation but I in finding this topic to be really something that I think I might by no means understand. It seems too complex and extremely vast for me. I’m looking forward to your subsequent put up, I¡¦ll try to get the hold of it!

  18. I like this site so much, saved to favorites. “Nostalgia isn’t what it used to be.” by Peter De Vries.

X

Tell a Friend

captcha