Special Report on Achilles Tendon Ruptures

Hello fellow weekend warriors. Today, I am writing about a subject that makes me worry just a little bit. I am 33 years old now and the prospect of an Achilles tendon rupture is all too real. Luckily, I know a few good foot doctors! What is the Achilles Tendon? A tendon is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. The Achilles tendon runs down the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Also called the "heel cord," the Achilles tendon facilitates walking by helping to raise the heel off the ground. What is an Achilles Tendon Rupture? An Achilles tendon rupture is a complete or partial tear that occurs when the tendon is stretched beyond its capacity. Forceful jumping or pivoting, or sudden accelerations of running, can overstretch the tendon and cause a tear. An injury to the tendon can also result from falling or tripping. Achilles tendon ruptures are most often seen in "weekend warriors" - typically, middle-aged people participating in sports in their spare time. Less commonly, illness or medications, such as steroids or certain antibiotics, may weaken the tendon and contribute to ruptures. Symptoms A person with a ruptured Achilles tendon may experience one or more of the following: •Sudden pain (which feels like a kick or a stab) in the back of the ankle or calf - often subsiding into a dull ache •A popping or snapping sensation •Swelling on the back of the leg between the heel and the calf •Difficulty walking (especially upstairs or uphill) and difficulty rising up on the toes These symptoms require prompt medical attention to prevent further damage. Until the patient is able to see a doctor, the "R.I.C.E." method should be used. This involves: •Rest. Stay off the injured foot and ankle, since walking can cause pain or further damage. •Ice. Apply a bag of ice covered with a thin towel to reduce swelling and pain. Do not put ice directly against the skin. •Compression. Wrap the foot and ankle in an elastic bandage to prevent further swelling. •Elevation. Keep the leg elevated to reduce the swelling. It should be even with or slightly above heart level. Diagnosis In diagnosing an Achilles tendon rupture, the foot and ankle surgeon will ask questions about how and when the injury occurred and whether the patient has previously injured the tendon or experienced similar symptoms. The surgeon will examine the foot and ankle, feeling for a defect in the tendon that suggests a tear. Range of motion and muscle strength will be evaluated and compared to the uninjured foot and ankle. If the Achilles tendon is ruptured, the patient will have less strength in pushing down (as on a gas pedal) and will have difficulty rising on the toes. The diagnosis of an Achilles tendon rupture is typically straightforward and can be made through this type of examination. In some cases, however, the surgeon may order an MRI or other advanced imaging tests. Treatment Treatment options for an Achilles tendon rupture include surgical and non-surgical approaches. The decision of whether to proceed with surgery or non-surgical treatment is based on the severity of the rupture and the patient's health status and activity level. Non-Surgical Treatment Non-surgical treatment, which is generally associated with a higher rate of re-rupture, is selected for minor ruptures, less active patients, and those with medical conditions that prevent them from undergoing surgery. Non-surgical treatment involves use of a cast, walking boot, or brace to restrict motion and allow the torn tendon to heal. Surgery Surgery offers important potential benefits. Besides decreasing the likelihood of re-rupturing the Achilles tendon, surgery often increases the patient's push-off strength and improves muscle function and movement of the ankle. Various surgical techniques are available to repair the rupture, and the surgeon will select the procedure best suited to the patient. Following surgery, the foot and ankle are initially immobilized in a cast or walking boot. The surgeon will determine when the patient can begin weightbearing. Complications such as incision-healing difficulties, re-rupture of the tendon, or nerve pain can arise after surgery. Physical Therapy Whether an Achilles tendon rupture is treated surgically or non-surgically, physical therapy is an important component of the healing process. Physical therapy involves exercises that strengthen the muscles and improve the range of motion of the foot and ankle. Committed to your health, Dr. Craig Conti Sarasota Foot Care Center www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com

Major Soccer Star Tears Achilles Tendon

British soccer star and frequent tabloid subject, David Beckham, tore his Achilles tendon in a game in Italy this weekend. The footballer will miss all of the World Cup and probably most of the MLS season due to the injury. Becks, as the British press is so fond of calling him, injured the foot in a non-contact aspect of the game. He was just walking around the field when he fell and clutched his heel.
The Achilles tendon is so named after the Greek mythological character who was only vulnerable at the back of his heel. According to the legend, Achilles was dipped in a river by his mother and protected from all harm. Of course his mother had to hold onto some part of young Achilles and allegedly she held him by his heel. Not to spoil the story for you but Achilles is killed by an arrow that hits him right in his heel. What are the chances?
Myth aside, the Achilles tendon has been the downfall of many a great athletic hero. Dan Marino, one of the greatest quarterbacks in football history, had his career ended in a similar non-contact injury. Misty May-Trainor, an Olympic gold medalist in beach volley ball, suffered an Achilles rupture during her time on a television dancing show. What is going on here? These are elite athletes and they are sustaining this major injury while doing basically minimal activity. How is this possible?
The most likely cause is chronic Achilles tendinitis. The Achilles tendon is the biggest, thickest tendon of the body and it allows the calf muscles to point the foot down. This is critical for both running and jumping. Elite athletes and weekend warriors can get a sharp, painful feeling in the back of the heel, especially when getting out of bed in the morning or first getting out of a chair. This pain represents inflammation and tightness at the attachment site of the tendon and the heel bone. If left untreated this tendinitis can weaken the tendon and lead to a rupture.
If you don't want to be added to the list of people with a ruptured Achilles tendon always stretch before you begin strenuous physical activity and see a foot doctor sooner rather than later if you have sharp pain in the back of your heel.

Committed to your health,
Dr. Craig Conti
Sarasota Foot Care Center
http://www.sarasotafootcarecenter.com