An Achilles tendon rupture is a common injury affecting the back of the lower leg. While it frequently occurs in individuals participating in recreational sports, it can happen to anyone.
The Achilles tendon, a robust fibrous cord, connects the muscles in the back of your calf to your heel bone. Overstretching this tendon can lead to either partial or complete tearing (rupture).
Symptoms:
- Calf Sensation: Some people describe the sensation as being kicked in the calf.
- Pain and Swelling: Severe pain and swelling near the heel are common.
- Walking Difficulty: An inability to bend the foot downward or push off the injured leg while walking.
- Toe Stand Difficulty: Standing on the toes of the injured leg becomes challenging.
- Audible Sound: A popping or snapping sound may accompany the injury.
When to Seek Medical Attention: If you experience a sudden pop in your heel, especially if it impairs your ability to walk properly, seek immediate medical advice.
Causes: The Achilles tendon plays a crucial role in pointing your foot downward, rising on your toes, and propelling your foot forward during walking. Most ruptures occur within approximately 2 1/2 inches (about 6 centimeters) from where the tendon attaches to the heel bone. This specific section is susceptible to rupture due to poor blood flow, which hinders its healing capacity.
Common causes of Achilles tendon ruptures include:
- Increased Sports Intensity: Particularly in sports involving jumping.
- Falls from Height
- Stepping into Holes
Risk Factors:
- Age: The peak age for Achilles tendon rupture is between 30 and 40 years.
- Sex: Men are up to five times more likely to experience Achilles tendon rupture than women.
- Recreational Sports: Injuries often occur during sports involving running, jumping, and sudden movements (e.g., soccer, basketball, tennis).
- Steroid Injections: Steroids injected into the ankle joint for pain relief can weaken nearby tendons and increase the risk of rupture.
- Certain Antibiotics: Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (e.g., ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin) are associated with a higher risk of Achilles tendon rupture.
- Obesity: Excess weight places additional strain on the tendon.
Preventive Measures:
- Calf Stretching and Strengthening: Regularly stretch your calf muscles without bouncing. Strengthening exercises can enhance muscle and tendon resilience.
- Diverse Exercise Routine: Alternate high-impact activities (like running) with low-impact ones (such as walking, biking, or swimming). Avoid excessive stress on the Achilles tendons (e.g., hill running, intense jumping).
- Choose Running Surfaces Wisely: Opt for softer surfaces and avoid slippery or hard terrain. Proper footwear with cushioning is essential.
- Gradual Training Intensity Increase: Avoid sudden spikes in training intensity. Gradually increase distance, duration, and frequency by no more than 10 percent per week.
