Everyone knows the ancient Greek legend of the Achilles' heel, probably, and gave the name of the tendon, located below the gastrocnemius muscle. It connects the muscles of the foot with the foot (specifically with the heel bone) and is the largest in the whole body, so it is quite easy to injure it.
The rupture of the Achilles tendon occurs most often in:
- athletes - due to heavy physical exertion, the possibility of injury and the constant presence of legs under tension;
- people of advanced age - in fact with time its natural thinning occurs.
Injury can be 2 types:
- Open - occurs when a sharp object is injured;
- closed (subcutaneous) - the tendon can burst due to a direct or indirect injury.
Symptoms of Achilles tendon rupture
If you were struck on it at the moment when it is tense and tense, you will notice a rupture immediately, but if there was an indirect injury (when jumping, in the starting posture or you slipped on the stairs), it is possible to determine that the Achilles tendon rupture has occurred according to such signs:
- crunching or cracking, audible at this moment;
- sudden severe pain;
- the inability to stand on the toe and just pull the foot forward;
- palpation of the place is palpable;
- the appearance of swelling and bruising , which will eventually increase in size;
- violation of gait, that is, a person is very limping, and sometimes even can not walk.
The consequences of the rupture of the Achilles tendon
Since the mechanism of interaction between the gastrocnemius muscle and the foot is disturbed, it will lead to the fact that the person will not be able to walk, even if he does not experience pain, and the foot will continue to move, but with the slightest load or incorrect movement everything can sharply deteriorate.
Therefore, in case of any suspicion of rupture or tearing (partial rupture) of the Achilles tendon, it is necessary to consult a traumatologist or surgeon. For diagnostics, certain tests are usually carried out:
- compression of the lower leg;
- needle;
- flexion in the knee joint;
- with a sphygmomanometer.
In some cases, they will make an x-ray, ultrasound or MRI.
Based on the results of examinations of the damaged tendon, the doctor prescribes the necessary treatment.
Treatment of rupture of the Achilles tendon
The purpose of the treatment is to connect the ends of the tendon and return the length and tension necessary for the normal functioning of the foot. This can be done in a conservative or surgical manner.
The conservative method of treatment consists in imposing for a period of 6 to 8 weeks on the injured leg of the immobilizing structure. It can be:
- longeta - plaster or made of polymeric materials (plastic);
- Orthoses or braces - allowing you to adjust during the wearing angle of the hood or partially restraining the movement of the foot.
The choice of the method of fixing the foot depends on the doctor, it is almost impossible to determine independently what kind of fixation is necessary in your case.
A more reliable method of treating the rupture of the Achilles tendon is an operation that involves stitching the ends together. Such surgical intervention is performed under local or general anesthesia with various sutures, the choice of which depends on the condition of the tendon itself, the duration of the rupture and the occurrence of repeated cases.
If you want to cure an old rupture of the Achilles tendon or continue to play sports, then the most effective
Whichever method is used to treat the rupture of the Achilles tendon, then rehabilitation should be followed, consisting in:
- ease the load on the leg while walking with crutches;
- conducting physical procedures;
- Exercise therapy with a gradual increase in load.
It is most effective to conduct a course of rehabilitation in specialized centers, where the whole process is supervised by specialists.