Ankle
Achilles Tendon Injury
An Achilles tendon is found at the back of the lower leg and connects to the heel bone. Achilles tendon rupture occurs when a person tears the tendon, either wholly or partially. Tendon rupture can occur in many instances, and a variety of physical activities are often the cause.
Symptoms of Ankle Tendon Tear
Achilles tendon ruptures are painful. If you have torn your tendon you will experience some of the following:
- Swelling and severe heel pain.
- Inability to walk normally, particularly an individual won’t be able to walk without experiencing pain.
- The failure to place the entire foot downward will likely occur.
- You are unable to lift their toes on the injured leg have probably ruptured the tendon entirely.
There is also the possibility you have not torn the tendon but will feel several similar symptoms. Bursitis and tendonitis share the same symptoms of a tendon rupture. These are foot injuries that Dr. Stein treats as well.
The bursa is located between the Achilles tendon and the heel bone; when the bursa is inflamed or irritated, it becomes a condition known as bursitis. Additionally, the bursae, which are miniscule fluid-filled sacs that float throughout the body, providing a cushion to tendons, muscles, and bones, may have become inflamed between the heel and tendon.
Tendonitis, however, is when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed or has many tiny tears. When an individual has tendonitis, the Achilles tendon will swell and become painful.
What causes an Achilles tendon to rupture?
Several factors can lead to tendon rupture among patients. These physical stressors may include:
- Flatfeet
- Worn out or ill-fitting shoes
- Weak calf muscles
- Tight calf muscles
- Overuse of tendon muscles
- Not stretching or inadequate stretching
- Running on hills or hard surfaces
Athletic Achilles Tendon Injury
Physical activities that require frequent stop and start footwork might cause an Achilles tendon to be torn. Often, this occurs because a large amount of unusual and repeated stress is placed on the tendon. It is also true that even highly conditioned athletes are at risk for a tendon rupture; almost every human has the potential to develop Achilles tendon rupture.
Also, as we get older, the tendon becomes thin and weak from continual overuse throughout the years. Everyday wear and tear combined with getting older increase the potential for tendon rupture as well.
Peroneal Tendon Strain & Tendonitis
In many instances, Dr. Stein will treat your Achilles tendon rupture through surgery where he stitches the tendons back in place. If you undergo this surgical procedure will likely be subject to a cast or boot as well as crutches to ensure the tendons heal correctly. If an individual opts not to have surgery, they will likely need to wear a cast or boot for a more extended period so that the tendons can reattach themselves.
Peroneal tendon strain is one of the two (2) tendons often strained in your ankle. The peroneal tendon protects and stabilizes your ankle. Typically, because of overuse or wear and tear, they can become inflamed. If you are experiencing acute pain, you most likely tore your tendon because of blunt force or sudden trauma.
When you have tendonitis and a peroneal tendon tear, you will feel pain and swelling. Many patients state the area feels very warm to the touch. When your tendon is torn acutely, you will feel that your foot is weak and unstable.
Schedule your appointment.
Dr. Stein has many years of experience in treating Achilles tendon ankle and foot injuries. If you are experiencing any tendon pain, please call our office immediately at (202) 835-2222 to schedule your appointment. Dr. Stein, Orthopedic Surgeon in DC, will help get you back on your feet and moving without pain, again.