Foot and the ankle injuries are common. The ankle is a complex joint capable of a wide range of movements that allow locomotion and balance. The ankle also takes the full weight of the body and is subject to a lot of force in activities such as running and jumping.Many ankle injuries can be managed conservatively. But more severe injuries that can result in deformity or neurovascular compromise need to be treated urgently.
The most common ankle injuries include ankle sprains, Achilles tendonitis, Achilles tendon tears and ankle fractures. Achilles tendon tears are a common problem that can be treated with timely treatment at leading orthopedic clinics such as Phoenix Shoulder and Knee clinic.
ACHILLES TENDON TEAR TREATMENT
The Achilles tendon represents the common tendon attachment of 3 muscles from the leg. The Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone (or calcaneus) of the foot.
Tears of the Achilles tendon are usually the result of a sudden injury during with running or jumping activities.
Signs & Symptoms
Patients with Achilles tendon rupture report the sudden onset of pain in the posterior calf and often report hearing or feeling a pop. The pain may go away with time, but swelling and bruising typically ensue in the days following the injury. Pain and weakness is felt on attempted walking or pressing the foot down.
Treatment
The treatment of Achilles tendon tear depends upon the age, health, and activity level of the patient as well as the extent of the injury.
For older, less active patients, and those with severe medical problems, non-surgical treatment is recommended. Non-surgical treatment is also advised for those with tears less than 50 % of tendon thickness. Conservative treatment consists of icing, anti-inflammatory medications, casting, activity modifications, physical therapy, and a gradual return to activities as tolerated.
For active, healthy patients with complete tendon ruptures or partial tendon ruptures of more than 50% of the tendon thickness, surgery is recommended.
Surgical treatment is ideally performed within 2 weeks from the date of the initial injury before the tendon and muscle begin to scar and shorten and make reattachment it to its native position more difficult. Surgery consists of repairing the ruptured tendon edges back to each other with stitches.
To set up a consultation for Achilles tendon tear with one of the best orthopedic doctors in Phoenix, AZ, call Phoenix Shoulder and Knee clinic at 480-219-3342.
Dr. Adam Farber is a Board certified, Fellowship trained and experienced orthopedic surgeon. He specializes in sports medicine. He has a particular interest in arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, elbow, ankle and knee. His focus is on shoulder, elbow, and knee injuries/conditions, including rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, labral pathology, Tommy John surgery, articular cartilage injuries, meniscal pathology, and ACL tears.