Achilles Tendon Rupture 101: What is It & How to Get Treated?

The largest and the strongest tendon in the human body is the Achilles tendon. Tendons are fibrous connective tissues that attach the muscles to the bones. Tendons are also responsible for connecting the muscles to the rigid body structures as the eyeballs are attached to the socket by the superior oblique tendon. Tendons also facilitate smooth movement of the bones and muscles.

Tendons are highly organized fibrous connective tissues that join muscles to the bones and can withstand high tensile forces caused due to muscle and bone movement. The regularly arranged connective tissues are comprised of dense, collagenous fibrous tissues, cells, and ground substances.

Achilles Tendon Rupture

The tough band of fibrous tissues that connect the human body’s calf muscles to the heel bones is known as the Achilles tendon. The soleus muscles and gastrocnemius muscles combine to form the Achilles tendon at the calf’s lower end. The Achilles tendon finally ends into the calcaneus and is surrounded by sacks of fluids known as bursae cushion that protects the Achilles tendon from injury and friction.

The state of partial or complete rupture of the Achilles tendon when subjected to stretching beyond capacity is called Achilles tendon rupture. Sudden acceleration, forceful jumping, or intense tension or trauma might lead to the tear of these rigid muscles, leading to the inability to raise the foot. Achilles tendon rupture needs immediate treatment, and you would need an emergency room in Houston.

Causes of Achilles Tendon Rupture

The Achilles tendon’s rupture is more common among sportspersons or those subjected to more workouts and need to speed up, slow down or pivot in a short period. In most cases, the rupture of tendons is caused due to gradual wear and tear of the tendons due to aging or due to overuse.

The Achilles tendon is one of the most used tendons of the human body connecting the calf muscles with the heel bones. Repeated tension is caused to the muscles due to playing football, cricket, volleyball, basketball, baseball, and gymnastics. Middle-aged persons are also prone to get the Achilles tendon ruptured. Houston emergency care can provide immediate medical care to help heal Achilles tendon ruptures.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Rupture

The different conditions of Achilles tendon injury are described here.

#1: Achilles Tendon Tear

The tear level might be tiny or large and can cause pain and swelling. The tear might occur suddenly during activity and can impair movement.

#2: Achilles Tendon Rupture

This condition is more painful, and a complete rupture of the tendon might cause a “pop” sound accompanied by intense pain and swelling

#3: Achilles Tendonitis

Frequent walking or running might cause the Achilles tendon’s gradual inflammation, accompanied by the stiffness of the muscles, pain, and impaired movement.

The symptoms in all cases are intense or moderate pain along with swelling. Rupture of the Achilles tendon is more severe among the lot, which needs surgery. The movement might be limited, and you might be able to move the leg slightly, but with a higher degree of rupture, complete immobility might also be the case. Emergency room 77007 can help in such conditions to subside the intense pain.

Tests and Diagnosis

The diagnosis starts with a physical examination of the affected place and an inquiry into the injury history. If the symptoms do not subside with medication, X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI can be used to assess the condition.

Thompson Test and Matles Test are specific tests to assess Achilles tendon rupture’s condition and give the doctor a clear overview of the state of injury.

Treatment

Based on the age, activity level, and state of injury, the Achilles tendon rupture treatment can be non-surgical or surgical. ER near Houston can provide the initial medical care for Achilles tendon rupture. The non-surgical treatment includes medication, application of ice-packs, and walking with crutches or heel wedges.

The surgery is performed as a last step respite, and insertion is made in the lower leg’s back to stitch the torn tendons together. Post-surgery rehabilitation is an important step that involves physical therapy to strengthen the leg muscles and Achilles tendon.

Memorial Heights Emergency Centre is a 24-hour emergency care clinic that takes immediate care of your medical needs. With over seven years of expensive experience and zero wait time, you may book an appointment or visit Memorial Heights Emergency Centre for medical conditions.