Understanding and Treating Achilles Tendon Ruptures
An Achilles tendon rupture is a tear in the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects the calf muscles in the lower leg to the heel bone. At Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney in Frisco, Little Elm, and McKinney, Texas, our leading physicians use some of the latest diagnostics and treatment techniques to achieve optimal outcomes for each patient. Book your appointment today.
Causes of an Achilles Tendon Rupture
Achilles tendon ruptures most commonly affect middle-aged, athletic individuals, especially those who participate in activities that involve running, jumping, and sudden stops and starts.
Achilles tendon ruptures are most commonly caused by a sudden increase in activity. This could be due to a change in sport, increased running intensity, or beginning a new exercise routine without proper warm-up and stretching. Other causes of Achilles tendon ruptures include trauma from a direct blow to the tendon, degeneration due to age, and medical conditions that weaken the tendon, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Knowing the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Rupture
Common symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture include:
- Sudden, sharp pain in the back of the ankle or calf
- A popping or snapping sensation
- Difficulty walking, especially uphill or on uneven surfaces
- Swelling and bruising near the heel
- Tenderness or stiffness in the back of the ankle or calf
- Difficulty flexing the foot or pointing the toes downward
If you have symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture, seek medical attention immediately. At Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney, our team offers same-day appointments for urgent foot and ankle problems.
Confirming the Diagnosis of an Achilles Tendon Rupture
An Achilles tendon rupture diagnosis can be made based on a physical examination. The doctor may ask about the patient's activity before the injury and will perform a physical exam to check for tenderness, swelling, and discoloration at the back of the ankle. Our podiatrists may order an X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. These imaging tests can show if the tendon is intact or if it is ruptured.
Heal Your Achilles Tendon Rupture and Return to an Active Lifestyle
After your examination, the next step is developing the right treatment plan for your condition.
- Immobilization
- Physical Therapy
- Medications
- Ice
- Compression
Depending on the severity of your condition, surgery might be the right treatment for you.
If left untreated, an Achilles tendon rupture can lead to long-term complications. These complications can include ongoing pain and tenderness, a limp, decreased strength, decreased mobility, and a decreased range of motion in the ankle joint. In severe cases, the tendon may not heal properly, which can lead to chronic pain and instability, as well as a higher risk of re-injury.
PARS (Percutaneous Achille's Tendon Repair System®)
The Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Repair System® (PARS) by Arthrex is a minimally invasive procedure used to repair a ruptured or torn Achilles tendon. During the procedure, your surgeon inserts a needle through the skin into the tendon, then attaches a suture loop, or button, to the needle. Your surgeon then uses the suture loop to pull the tendon together and close the gap.
The procedure is less invasive than traditional open surgery, which requires an incision and stitches to hold the tendon together. PARS can be used to repair a variety of Achilles tendon injuries and can help reduce the risk of infection. Patients may experience less pain and shorter recovery times with this procedure than with traditional open surgery. After the surgery, you can expect an improvement in your range of motion and a reduced risk for re-rupture of the Achilles tendon.