Achilles Tendon Injury(Rupture) Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Anyone can experience Achilles tendon injuries. Tendons are basically a structure that connects bones to muscles.
Understanding
Achilles tendon injuries can be experienced by anyone at any time. Tendons are basically a structure that connects bones to muscles. Its function is actually similar to a strap that is flexible, but not elastic. Because of this property, the bones can be moved well but still controlled to a certain extent.
In the human body, the tendon that has the largest size is the Achilles tendon. This tendon connects the bone in the heel to the calf muscles. This tendon can be easily felt, just above the heel bone. The existence of this tendon makes tiptoe movements easy to do.
For any reason, this tendon can be injured – ranging from a minor injury to a complete sever. Not only athletes, Achilles tendon injuries can also be experienced by anyone, in their daily activities.
Several factors can increase a person’s risk of experiencing an Achilles tendon injury. These risk factors are:
- Man
- Elderly
- Has a flat foot shape
- Obesity
- Improper use of running shoes
- Suffers from psoriasis and has high blood pressure
- Are taking fluoroquinolone-type antibiotics
Reason
Achilles tendon injuries generally occur when the heel is moved rapidly or in an extreme manner. Movement like this is mostly done on:
- Run
- Gymnastics sports
- Dance
- Football
- Basketball
- softball
- Baseball
- Tennis
- Volleyball
Apart from sports, tendon injuries can also be experienced as a result of daily activities. For example in women who are used to wearing shoes with high heels.
Symptom
The main symptom felt in an Achilles tendon injury is pain. This pain gets worse when the tendon is stretched or in a tiptoe position.
If it’s only due to a minor injury, the pain and inflammation that occurs will get better over time. However, if the injury results in rupture or rupture of the Achilles tendon, the pain will persist and become even more severe.
Apart from pain, another symptom of an Achilles tendon injury is swelling and redness.
Diagnosis
To make a diagnosis, a physical examination of the injured tendon is required. Apart from seeing swelling, redness, and disturbed body gestures when walking, the doctor will also do a squeeze test.
The squeeze test is performed by lightly pressing on the healthy tendon. The compression of this tendon will move the heel and instep. The same examination is then carried out on the injured tendon.
With this pressure, the inflamed tendon will feel sore but the foot can still move. It’s different if the tendon turns out to have ruptured or broken. Emphasis on the tendon will not cause movement of the foot because the structure that connects the heel to the calf is no longer fused.
Treatment
As previously explained, in minor injuries, inflammation of the Achilles tendon will improve on its own without the need for special treatment.
To help speed up this recovery, someone who has an Achilles tendon injury can do RICE, namely:
- Rest or rest the injured leg, using crutches if needed.
- Ice, namely applying ice to the sore area for at least 20 minutes.
- Compress which is done by wrapping an elastic bandage around the sore ankle to relieve swelling.
- Elevate or raise the painful leg higher. The goal is to improve blood flow back so swelling and pain can be minimized.
Apart from RICE, pain, and inflammation can also be helped by taking painkillers such as ibuprofen, using additional insoles specifically designed to reduce heel pressure, and physiotherapy.
In Achilles tendon injuries that cause breaks or ruptures, reconnection surgery, and physiotherapy are generally required after surgery.
Complications
The injuries experienced can make the Achilles tendon fragile and easily rupture. Therefore, everyone who has an injury to the Achilles tendon must be really careful in their activities.
Try to rest your injured leg completely and get yourself checked out immediately if the pain you feel doesn’t improve or gets worse over time.
Prevention
There are several ways you can do to prevent Achilles tendon injuries, such as:
- Limit running with an uphill trajectory
- Exercising with the right shoes and being able to support the heel optimally
- Avoid wearing shoes with high heels
- Warm up before exercising
- Stop movement if you feel pain or cramps in the heel area