Tendons are fibrous bands of tissue that connect muscles and bones and provide much-needed strength, stability, and range-of-motion.
Your Achilles tendon is one of many tendons in your feet and ankles, and it’s located at the back of your heel, connecting your calf muscles and heel bone. This vital tendon gives you strength while walking and running, and it’s the tendon that allows you to push your feet and ankles into the ground and stand on your tiptoes.
An Achilles tendon rupture occurs when the tendon partially or fully tears. Most often, this injury happens while playing a sport, though sudden falls or other types of ankle trauma can also cause tendon damage.
When you rupture your Achilles tendon, the course of treatment you’ll need depends on the severity of the tear and your activity level. At Foot and Ankle Institute of Colorado in Colorado Springs, Colorado, podiatrists Matthew Hinderland, DPM, Jordan Cameron, DPM, Trevor Whiting, DPM, and Shane Soto, DPM, lead our team in the treatment of Achilles tendon tears.
In this month’s blog, we discuss our varying treatment options for a torn Achilles tendon and when each might be necessary.
In every case of an Achilles tendon tear, rest and immobilization are part of the treatment plan.
Even when your Achilles tendon is severely torn, resting from all activity and immobilizing your affected ankle gives your body the ability to start the healing process on its own. Immobilization will likely include wearing a boot or a cast and using crutches to move around without the use of your injured tendon.
If your Achilles tendon tear is minor, rest and immobilization may be enough for the tendon to heal. During this process, our team may recommend taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation, which can also help with the healing process.
Platelets are the smallest cells in your blood, and they contain proteins known as growth factors, which can regenerate cells and other tissues quickly. They’re your body’s super healers. Whenever your body is injured, platelets arrive on the scene quickly to begin the healing process.
Unfortunately, your Achilles tendon is located by your ankle, which doesn’t typically get enough blood flow to heal properly. So, if your Achilles tendon tear is slow to heal, injecting a substance known as PRP can help.
PRP is made of a high concentration of platelets obtained from your own blood. Injecting a high concentration of platelets into the injured area provides better and faster healing.
If your Achilles tendon rupture is severe, you’re an active athlete, or you’re middle-aged or younger, surgically repairing your Achilles tendon might be necessary to restore full mobility.
During Achilles tendon repair surgery, your provider makes an incision on the back of your leg in order to stitch the tendon back together. If the damage is extensive, our team may also reinforce the tendon’s strength by connecting additional tendons.
With or without surgery, you’ll need to undergo physical therapy after your tendon has had time to heal. This rehabilitation process allows you to regain mobility, strength, and flexibility. Undergoing physical therapy not only helps you get back full use of your affected foot but also prevents repeat tears.
To learn more about our treatment options for Achilles tendon ruptures, schedule a consultation with our team by calling our office or using our online booking feature today.
