Achilles Rupture

Achilles Rupture

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What is Achilles Rupture?

An Achilles tendon rupture is a severe injury where the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone tears, often during sports or a sudden, forceful movement. This is the most commonly ruptured tendon in the body, and it can significantly impact physical activity, requiring careful management and often surgical intervention.

Achilles Rupture Statistics

  • Achilles tendon ruptures occur in about 18 per 100,000 individuals annually.
  • The highest incidence is in males aged 30-50 years.
  • Over 70% of Achilles tendon ruptures occur during recreational sports activities.
  • Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

    Achilles Rupture Anatomy

  • Achilles Tendon: The strongest tendon in the body, crucial for walking, running, and jumping.
  • Rupture Site: Most commonly occurs in the mid-portion of the tendon, where blood supply is weakest.
  • Tendon Function: Facilitates plantar flexion of the foot, enabling push-off during walking and running.
  • Surrounding Muscles: Calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) contribute to the Achilles tendon’s movement and strength.
  • Achilles Rupture
    Signs & Symptoms

  • Sudden Sharp Pain: A sudden, sharp pain in the back of the ankle or calf, often described as a "pop."
  • Inability to Push Off: Difficulty or inability to push off the affected foot when walking.
  • Swelling: Swelling around the ankle or lower leg.
  • Gap Above Heel: A visible or palpable gap where the tendon has ruptured.
  • Causes of Achilles Rupture

  • Sudden Forceful Movements: Quick direction changes or explosive actions in sports.
  • Previous Tendinopathy: Chronic Achilles tendon issues weaken the tendon, increasing rupture risk.
  • Use of Steroids: Corticosteroid injections can weaken the tendon.
  • Aging: Tendon degeneration increases the risk of rupture.
  • Risk Factors for Achilles Rupture

  • Sports Participation: High-impact sports such as basketball, soccer, and tennis.
  • Age: More common in individuals aged 30-50.
  • Gender: Males are more likely to experience an Achilles rupture.
  • Previous Tendinopathy: Chronic Achilles tendinopathy weakens the tendon.
  • Use of Corticosteroids: Steroid injections around the tendon may weaken it.
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    Prevalence of Achilles Rupture

  • Achilles tendon ruptures occur in approximately 18 per 100,000 individuals annually.
  • The highest incidence is observed in males aged 30-50 years.
  • Over 70% of Achilles tendon ruptures happen during recreational sports activities.
  • Assessment & Diagnosis of Achilles Rupture

  • Thompson Test: Squeezing the calf muscle while the patient lies prone to check for plantar flexion, indicating a possible rupture.
  • Physical Examination: Observing for a palpable gap above the heel and testing the range of motion.
  • Ultrasound: Used to confirm the rupture and assess the extent of the injury.
  • MRI Scan: Provides detailed imaging to evaluate the severity of the rupture and plan treatment.
  • Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy for Achilles Rupture

  • Rehabilitation Exercises: Gradual strengthening and flexibility exercises tailored to the stage of recovery.
  • Weight-Bearing Progression: Controlled progression from non-weight-bearing to full weight-bearing to facilitate tendon healing.
  • Range of Motion Exercises: Exercises to restore full motion of the ankle and prevent stiffness.
  • Gait Training: Techniques to normalize walking patterns and prevent compensatory issues.
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    Achilles Rupture FAQs

    The symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture include a sudden sharp pain in the back of the ankle or calf, often described as a "pop," followed by difficulty walking, swelling, and sometimes a visible gap above the heel where the tendon has torn.

    Treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture can involve surgical repair or conservative management with a cast or brace. Physiotherapy is essential post-treatment to restore strength and flexibility.

    Recovery from an Achilles tendon rupture typically takes 6 to 12 months. The recovery period includes initial immobilization, followed by physiotherapy to regain full function and strength.

    Achilles Rupture References

    • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). "Achilles Tendon Rupture." AAOS, 2016. Link
    • Soroceanu, A., et al. "Surgical Versus Nonsurgical Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture." JAMA, vol. 308, no. 23, 2012, pp. 2439-2445.
    • Metzl, J. D., et al. "Achilles Tendon Ruptures." Sports Medicine, vol. 28, no. 2, 1999, pp. 87-100.