What is an Achilles Tendon Rupture?
The Achilles tendon joins the bone in your heel to your calf muscles. It is thought to be the strongest tendon in the body but can still be damaged through highly painful injury.
An Achilles tendon rupture is a tear to this tendon that runs down the back of your foot - (behind and above your heel). This tear can be:
Partial - where the tendon is slightly torn but still joined to the muscles in your calf
or
Complete - where the tendon is completely torn and there is no connection between the calf muscles and bone in your ankle.
Above: Achilles tendonitis causes pain and discomfort that can affect you ability to stand and walk.What causes an Achilles Tendon Rupture?
Achilles tendon ruptures can be caused by high force or stress to the tendon. This may occur when pushing off your foot, in activities such as diving, running, shooting in basketball, or tennis.
The tendon can be overstretched and ruptured during falls, or could even be damaged by deep cuts to the back of your ankle.
If your Achilles tendon is weak it will be more prone to injury. Biomechanical abnormalities in the foot, ankle or knee could contribute overstressing the tendon, causing weakness.
What are the symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture?
At the time of rupturing your Achilles tendon you may hear a pop or snapping sound in your foot. Symptoms of a partial and complete rupture are listed below
Partial rupture symptoms
- Sharp pain in calf and/or foot upon causative activities ??? such as walking up stairs, jumping, stretching calf muscles
- Some swelling in calf
- Stiff Flat footed walk
- Bruising around the back of your heel and calf
- Sharp pain constantly around back of heel and calf and/or foot
- Significant swelling in calf
- Unable to weight bear on ankle
- 4-5cm gap felt in tendon between calf and foot (may be less noticeable with onset of swelling)
How is an Achilles tendon rupture Diagnosed?
Our specialist physiotherapists at Liverpool Physio can carry out a comprehensive assessment to diagnose an Achilles tendon rupture. If you have a significant tear to the Achilles tendon, an MRI scan or ultrasound may be required to highlight the severity of your injury.
What would a physiotherapy assessment for an Achilles Tendon Rupture involve?
At Liverpool Physio, we want to gain as much information as possible about your injury to ensure we give you the best treatment. In your first appointment with us, our physiotherapists will carry out an assessment which has two parts:
Subjective
A discussion between you and our physiotherapist to find out the cause of your injury and what symptoms you are experiencing, and how your injury is affecting you and your lifestyle.
Objective
An assessment of your range of pain, range of movement, and a series of special tests to identify the presence of the rupture.
If you have a complete Achilles Tendon Rupture you may require surgery to repair the tendon. In this case, our physiotherapists would be happy to see you for assessment and treatment after your surgery to help you recover.
What would physiotherapy treatment for an Achilles Tendon Rupture involve?
At Liverpool Physio, Our physiotherapists will ensure you recieve specialised treatment for your Achilles tendon rupture. Depending on the extent and time of your injury, your treatment may involve:
- Joint mobilisations in the ankle
- Ice treatments
- Heat treatments
- Achilles tendon taping
- Strengthening exercises
- Balance exercises
At Liverpool Physio you will experience a personalised treatment session. Each appointment will be aimed at returning to your everyday activities and what you enjoy.
Above: Ankle achilles tendon rupture is common with preexisting tendonitis.How can I arrange a physiotherapy assessment for an Achilles Tendon Rupture?
If you are experiencing sharp pain or swelling in your calf or foot, and feel unable to walk normally, one of our experienced physiotherapists will be happy to see you for an assessment.
You can contact us directly to arrange an assessment and we can advise you if further treatment is recommended, or give you details on self-management for minor cases. To arrange an appointment please email office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or call today on 0151 558 0077.
Summary
Achilles tendon rupture can be a highly painful injury that can affect your ability to walk normally and cause swelling and pain in your calf and the back of your foot.
At Liverpool Physio we want to ensure you get the best treatment for your injury and we will use strapping, strengthening exercises and activity specific treatments to help you recover.
To arrange an appointment at Liverpool Physio you can contact us at office@liverpoolphysio.co.uk or phone us on 0151 558 0077.
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