Achilles Tendon Injuries

Damage to the Achilles tendon is one of the most common injuries that occurs during sports and activities of daily living.  Each year, more than 230,000 people injure their Achilles tendon.

The Achilles tendon is a thick, fibrous tissue that attaches the calf muscles to the heel.  It extends the foot during walking, running, jumping, and standing on your toes. The Achilles tendon is subject to the entire weight of the body and can withstand as much as twelve times the body’s weight when running and jumping.

Cause of injury

The most common causes of Achilles tendon injuries include overuse, a sudden increase in training, change in footwear, inflexibility, uneven leg length, weight gain, and high or low arches.  Because the Achilles tendon must sustain the force of the entire weight of the body, it is easily injured.  The most common types of injury are Achilles tendinosis and tendon rupture. Women who wear shoes with heels over two inches often experience Achilles problems when switching to their flatter running shoes.

Signs and Symptoms

Achilles tendinosis often begins with tendons that are tight, sore, and stiff.  This occurs most commonly in the morning after a night’s rest.  Without treatment the injury can worsen, resulting in a complete tear or rupture of the tendon. Rupture of the Achilles tendon is characterized by a sudden and debilitating injury, sometimes accompanied by an audible popping sound.

Diagnosis

The ankle should be evaluated by a physician if significant swelling exists and/or weight bearing on the foot is not possible.  He/she may elect to perform further tests, such as an X-ray or MRI.

Treatment

Long distance runners should make only minor increases to their training regimens, avoiding any dramatic changes (i.e.:  hill climbing or running on soft sand).  Treatment and rehabilitation for Achilles tendon injuries vary depending on the severity of damage. Simple strains are often treated with rest, stretching, strengthening, icing, and physical therapy modalities (i.e.:  ultrasound and electrical stimulation).  Achilles ruptures may require surgical re-attachment of the tendon.  Physical therapy is essential to achieving a full recovery and can guide rehabilitation to ensure return to activity as quickly and safely as possible.

For more information, e-mail info@vvmc.com.

To make an appointment, call Howard Head Sports Medicine at (888) 652-7640.