Achilles tendon rupture

The Achilles tendon (Tendo calcaneus) is considered one of the strongest tendons of our body and is ten to twelve inches long and practically not stretchy. It connects the heel bone (tuber calcanei) with the tendons of the powerful three-headed calf muscle (Musculus triceps surae). The Achilles tendon can be felt through the skin on the back of the lower leg above the heel.

Jumps strain the Achilles tendon especially

In many dynamic sports, the Achilles tendon is exposed to a very high load – especially in jumps. An Achilles tendon tear is therefore a common sports injury. This is usually a sudden, and in contrast to the strain , complete transection of the tendon due to congestion.

Achilles tendon tear: what symptoms occur?

An Achilles tendon rupture is hard to miss: The victims usually perceive a loud bang, which sometimes sounds like a whip . The noise is accompanied by piercing pain. These are initially very strong, but go back after a short time.

The person is also no longer capable of plantarflexion, the lowering of the tiptoes in the direction of the ground. Externally, when Achilles tendon rupture (Achilles tendon rupture), a swelling, in some cases, a bruise, visible at the back of the ankle.

Important: first aid immediately after the crack

Immediately after an Achilles tendon rupture, only first aid measures are possible, but they can be of great advantage in the later healing process. As a sensible emergency measures are cooling and raising the entire heel region. In addition, an occurrence with the injured leg should be avoided.

In any case, a doctor should be consulted as soon as possible, because the Achilles tendon is essential for our walking and walking. A fast medically professional treatment is therefore crucial.

Causes: Achilles tendon rupture

Basically, athletic active people suffer above average frequently a tear of the Achilles tendon. Male athletes between the ages of 30 and 50 are particularly likely to be affected. The cause of an Achilles tendon rupture in these cases is usually a single movement in which the limit of the capacity of the tendon tissue is exceeded.

Often, however, the tissue of the tendon is already damaged in advance and thus less resilient, so it may rather lead to Achilles tendon rupture. Such reduced elasticity may arise, for example, in the context of diseases such as diabetes . Another possible cause are signs of wear that occur in old age. In addition, Achilles tendon ruptures also arise due to direct violence, for example, by a shock or blow.

How the doctor puts the diagnosis Achilles tendon rupture

A doctor can feel an Achilles tendon tear. The moment the initial pain on Achilles tendon rupture (Achilles tendon rupture) subsides, the affected person realizes that a normal walking or running is hardly possible. Experts then speak of functional failures, which can be recognized, for example, by the fact that the patient can not perform a monopod toe position on the affected side.

An experienced doctor can palpate a dent in the musculature a few centimeters above the actual Achilles tendon insertion. However, this is only possible in the first hours after the accident. After that, a bruise forms in the same place. The final diagnosis is made by ultrasound . The attending physician can also determine exactly how far the torn ends of the Achilles tendon are separated from each other.

Therapy and follow-up on Achilles tendon rupture: surgical or conservative?

Basically, a distinction is made between surgical and non-operative (conservative) treatment in case of a rupture of the great Achilles tendon. The form of therapy used varies from case to case.

Doctors often advise younger patients to undergo surgical treatment of an Achilles tendon rupture. For them, it is more likely that they continue to put more strain on their bodies through sport and work. In contrast, elderly patients often undergo non-operative treatment. In doing so, the attending physician must, for example as part of an ultrasound examination , clarify for sure that the torn ends of the Achilles tendon still touch when the foot is lowered by about 20 degrees – in the so-called Spitzfußstellung. So the two ends can grow together again.

Aftertreatment possible today without gypsum

Meanwhile, it is no longer common to rest the affected heel for weeks in a plaster. Nowadays, there are more patient-friendly alternatives. The impractical plaster was replaced by a movement therapy – the functional treatment .

Healing during Achilles tendon rupture is several weeks

The patients wear specially designed shoes and support rails, which increase the heel and relieve the Achilles tendon. The healing process takes between six and eight weeks at best.

As part of a surgical procedure, the surgeon sews the tendon ends together again. In doing so, he may use specific materials that the body degrades itself over time. This strengthens the tendon and its mechanical stability. Outwardly usually only a very small scar is visible.

Subsequently, a functional treatment, similar to the non-surgical therapy, makes sense, in which the Achilles tendon with special shoes or rails is spared and supported to slowly recover the old level of performance.

How athletes prevent an Achilles tendon rupture

A healthy level of exercise is the means to prevent the rupture. Because regular exercise has basically positive effects on the elasticity of the tendons and the muscular system. All those who do not do much exercise are at risk of having an Achilles tendon rupture due to an unfamiliar burden. Too much stressful sport also increases the risk.

Avoiding abrupt and overly heavy loads on the Achilles tendon is another measure. This applies, for example, the very dynamic and fast risk sports squash and volleyball .

Warm-up and cool-down with stretching do not forget!

Generally, it is recommended for all athletes, to pay attention to a sufficient warm-up before and especially on stretching exercises after the sport. This also serves the elasticity of the tendons and the prevention of Achilles tendon rupture.