Injuries of the Achilles Tendon

Achilles tendon is a ligament structure that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Usually, this structure, which can be ruptured during performance of sports, may also rupture during a simple home work or when climbing stairs. Especially in football and basketball players, Achilles tendon rupture can be seen without contact after loading. Among the tendon ruptures, the most severe injury, the Achilles tendon rupture, takes place approximately 3-4 cm above the place where the tendon adheres to the heel bone. Sometimes it also occurs where he adheres to the heel bone; this is a more serious disability.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Rupture

Achilles tendon rupture usually occurs without the need for impact. During a football match, running, doing housework, climbing stairs or walking straight on the road can suddenly rupture and it is impossible not to notice the rupture. When a rupture occurs, a stinging knife-like pain is felt. At this time, patients may think that anything is hitting the wrist sharply. In the field where the injury occurred, something is felt to be ruptured  . If a basketball player experiences rupture when he is ascending, he cannot land on his toe again and fall on his heel. Sensitivity occurs in that field. The patient cannot walk, he feels a deep pain when he tries to walk.

The ruptures may be complete or partial. To understand the complete rupture, the Thompson Test is helpful. In this test where the patient is placed on the face, the calf is squeezed by a hand. Normally, the ankle should move with this procedure. However, the wrist does not move if a complete rupture has occurred. Although it is diagnosed with Achilles tendon by clinical examination, it may be necessary to use MR or ultrasonography methods for definitive diagnosis. MR method is preferred because it shows a lot of soft tissue.

Treatment of the Rupture of the Achilles Tendon

In the treatment of the Achilles tendon, it is decided whether the surgical or non-surgical methods are to be applied. Plaster treatment within 48 hours of injury may be beneficial. On the other hand, improvement can be accelerated by PRP method. For more information, you can read our PRP treatment . Youth people, people actively performing sports, patients who applied long after the injury and the patients with the Achilles tendon ruptured from where it is attached to the heel bone are not suitable for non-surgical treatment. Achilles tendon surgery can be performed by such techniques such as bonding of bones, osteotomy, excision, synovectomy, removal of the sheath, tendon transfer or tendon extension.