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An Achilles tendon injury is a rupture that occurs on the back of your lower leg. It is most common in athletes, but others may also be susceptible to the injury.
What is an Achilles tendon? The achilles tendon connects the muscles of the back of your calf to the heel bone. A rupture can occur if the tendon is overstretched. Both partial and complete tears can happen when there is an injury.
If you suspect an Achilles tendon injury, it is essential to see a doctor. At Florida Foot & Ankle, we have several locations for your convenience.
This article will explain what is important for you to know about Achilles Tendon injuries, including some common questions regarding the injury.
There are two types of Achilles tendonitis; non insertional Achilles tendinitis and insertional Achilles tendonitis.
Noninsertional Achilles tendinitis occurs when the fibers in the middle of the tendon start to break down, swell and thicken, causing pain. It is common in younger and active patients in sports or recreational activities.
Source: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/achilles-tendinitis/
Insertional Achilles tendinitis affects the lower part of the heel. This is where the tendon connects to the heel bone.
This injury is seen in patients who are both active and non-active but is more common in those who may place consistent stress on the tendon, such as runners.
When you have Achilles Tendonitis, you commonly experience pain, sometimes severe, that may feel as though you have been kicked in the calf.
The pain is usually accompanied by swelling near the heel. You may also hear a “popping sound” if the tendon tears.
You may also notice leg weakness or discomfort when performing daily activities. You might have difficulty bending the foot downward or pushing off the affected leg when walking.
If you suspect you have torn or injured your Achilles tendon, Florida Foot & Ankle Associates are here to diagnose and evaluate your injury at one of our nearby locations in Florida.
In many cases, you can treat a sore Achilles tendon non-surgically. Non-surgical treatment options include:
A walking boot may be recommended to keep the foot flexed down properly. It may need to be worn for a few weeks.
Though it may take longer to heal, non-surgical methods usually result in a full recovery so long as directions from your doctor are followed.
In some cases, surgery is a recommended treatment option to repair the torn tendon. The surgeon makes an incision in the back of the lower leg and stitches the torn tendon together to repair the injury.
Surgery comes with risks, including infection or nerve damage. However, if the procedure is minimally invasive, there are fewer risks and complications.
Whether you have surgery or not, physical therapy is recommended. You will learn exercises to strengthen the lower leg muscles and the Achilles tendon.
It can take up to six months before you can resume normal activities, but symptoms and pain may continue for far longer without proper rehabilitation.
You may be able to walk with a torn Achilles, but it is not recommended.
Your ability to walk often is dependent on the severity of the injury. For minor tears, you may notice aching when walking, but a severe tear will be very painful.
Walking also carries the risk of making the injury worse, so it is important to see a provider if you suspect a torn Achilles.
When it comes to podiatrists in Florida and throughout southern Florida, Florida Foot & Ankle Associates is considered one of the leading providers.
We have locations throughout South Florida, our specialists serving the Greater Miami Area, including Miami-Dade (Miami, Kendall, Miami Beach, Hialeah, Coral Gables), Broward County (Hollywood, Pembroke Pines), and Palm Beach County (Boca Raton).
Our practice treats a variety of ankle and foot injuries, including:
Schedule an appointment by contacting us today!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
