Achilles Tendon Facts
Injuries to the Achilles Tendon
Of all of the tendons in the human body, the Achilles tendon is the largest. The muscles at the posterior of the lower leg are attached to the calcaneous (heel bone) by the Achilles tendon. Because if it's location, the Achilles tendon must withstand a great deal of pressure during strenuous exercise - especially sporting activities that involve a lot of pivoting.
The Achilles tendon is especially prone to two types of injury:
#1 Achilles tendonitis is inflammation caused by overuse.
#2 The Achilles tendon can be torn during strenuous activity.
The Specifics of Achilles Tendonitis
If you suddenly increase the level or intensity of your workout, or if you come back full-force after a long break, you are likely to experience Achilles tendonitis. For this reason, it is very important to add strenuous activities slowly and carefully and to work back up to your top performance gradually after a long break in training.
You may experience Achilles tendonitis as mild pain after exercise that worsens as time passes. Several hours after completing your exercise routine, the pain may become severe. After rest, you may feel stiffness, tenderness, and swelling. Movement may improve these symptoms.
If you tear your Achilles tendon, you will probably need surgery. With surgery, torn, fibrous and toughened tissues can be removed. After your surgery, you will be sent to rehabilitation to quicken your recovery and prevent ankle weakness in the future.
Click here to learn more about total knee replacement.
More Information About A Torn Achilles Tendon
You may overstretch your Achilles tendon during vigorous activity. This often happens during sports. You may actually hear a crack or a snap when the injury occurs. The tear is usually located just above the calcaneous (heel bone). It may be complete or partial.
If this happens, you may find that you are not able to bend your foot into a downward position or even to walk normally. This type of injury is very painful and causes a lot of swelling around the heel.
If you have a complete rupture, you will probably need surgery. Following surgery, you will need to use a cast or walking boot to keep your ankle stable. This will last about 3 months.
Although it is possible to treat torn ligaments non-surgically with a below-knee cast, this is not recommended. It takes longer for the ends of the torn tendon to heal naturally, and there is more likelihood that the tendon will experience damage in the future.
You have a better chance to experience full recovery with surgery. That's why active people who want to continue enjoying sports often choose surgical treatment for and injured Achilles tendon.
Click here to learn more about orthopaedic and knee surgery. - 17269
Of all of the tendons in the human body, the Achilles tendon is the largest. The muscles at the posterior of the lower leg are attached to the calcaneous (heel bone) by the Achilles tendon. Because if it's location, the Achilles tendon must withstand a great deal of pressure during strenuous exercise - especially sporting activities that involve a lot of pivoting.
The Achilles tendon is especially prone to two types of injury:
#1 Achilles tendonitis is inflammation caused by overuse.
#2 The Achilles tendon can be torn during strenuous activity.
The Specifics of Achilles Tendonitis
If you suddenly increase the level or intensity of your workout, or if you come back full-force after a long break, you are likely to experience Achilles tendonitis. For this reason, it is very important to add strenuous activities slowly and carefully and to work back up to your top performance gradually after a long break in training.
You may experience Achilles tendonitis as mild pain after exercise that worsens as time passes. Several hours after completing your exercise routine, the pain may become severe. After rest, you may feel stiffness, tenderness, and swelling. Movement may improve these symptoms.
If you tear your Achilles tendon, you will probably need surgery. With surgery, torn, fibrous and toughened tissues can be removed. After your surgery, you will be sent to rehabilitation to quicken your recovery and prevent ankle weakness in the future.
Click here to learn more about total knee replacement.
More Information About A Torn Achilles Tendon
You may overstretch your Achilles tendon during vigorous activity. This often happens during sports. You may actually hear a crack or a snap when the injury occurs. The tear is usually located just above the calcaneous (heel bone). It may be complete or partial.
If this happens, you may find that you are not able to bend your foot into a downward position or even to walk normally. This type of injury is very painful and causes a lot of swelling around the heel.
If you have a complete rupture, you will probably need surgery. Following surgery, you will need to use a cast or walking boot to keep your ankle stable. This will last about 3 months.
Although it is possible to treat torn ligaments non-surgically with a below-knee cast, this is not recommended. It takes longer for the ends of the torn tendon to heal naturally, and there is more likelihood that the tendon will experience damage in the future.
You have a better chance to experience full recovery with surgery. That's why active people who want to continue enjoying sports often choose surgical treatment for and injured Achilles tendon.
Click here to learn more about orthopaedic and knee surgery. - 17269
About the Author:
Dr. Tarlow is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon with over 20 years specializing in knee surgery. He opened his own clinic, Advanced Knee Care, with a focus on specialty patient care. Click here to learn more about Dr. Tarlow, knee surgeries and Knee Arthroscopy in Mesa.
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