Achilles Tendon Rupture 

Mechanism of injury 

• It is a common soft tissue injury most commonly occurring in men than women who participate in frequent exercise or athletic activities 
• It is normally associated with a forceful lengthening and contraction of the muscles of the lower leg during sudden acceleration, deceleration, or jumping/landing 
• Degeneration and mechanical factors increase risk of acute rupture which also includes decreased strength or flexibility of the plantar flexors, excessive body weight, pre-existing tendonitis, and decreased vascularity

A Ruptured Tendon 

• It normally ruptures closer to the heel bone (calcaneus)
• A complete rupture leads to pain, swelling, palpable defect and significant weakness in the plantar flexors 
• Management

Repairment Procedures 

• Primary Repair
  • This is done within a few days to a week after the injury occurred with a direct, end-to-end repair in which the ends of the tendon are unopposed and sutured together
  • Delayed repair of a chronic rupture would require reconstruction of the tendon by autograft or allograft 

Post-Operative Management 

• Conventional Approach
  • 6-week immobilization with the ankle in plantar flexion or for a brief period of time
  • The patient will not weight bear on the affected ankle 
  • Week by Week Post Op Management
    • Week 0-4
      • Below knee cast applied foot in plantar flexion 
      • New cast is applied at 2-3 weeks
    • Week 4
      • Walking cast will be applied with the ankle positioned neutral 
      • Initiate Weight bearing
    • Week 6-8
      • Initiate Active Range of Motion 
      • Full Weight bearing with functional brace can begin wearing shoes 
    • Beyond Week 12
      • Discontinue functional brace
      • Full weight bearing in shoes 
• Early Remobilization Approach
  • “Functional Rehabilitation” option after primary repair after acute rupture 

Exercise 

• Protection Phase
  • Maintain ROM of non immobilized joints 
  • Prevent reflex inhibition of immobilized joints 
  • Prevention of joint stiffness and adhesions 
  • Maintain cardiorespiratory fitness 
  • Increase ROM of Operated Ankle 

Immediate Help through Physiotherapy for Achilles Tendon pain:

Aching pain in the calf area after walking or running? Have you confirmed that it is not Achilles Tendon pain? Or Achilles Shin pain or Achilles pain? Are you aware of the orthotic braces that are available for Achilles pain?

At Curezone Physiotherapy, our Achilles pain experts in Mississauga and Oakville aim to improve overall strength and flexibility of the leg muscles through targeted stretches for pain. If you are looking for Foot Physiotherapy Mississauga or Oakville, or Achilles pain Physiotherapy NEAR ME, look no further! We aim to be YOUR best physio clinic in Mississauga and Oakville areas, and are here and ready to teach you the best exercises and stretches for Achilles Tendon pain.

We welcome you to call us or click below to book an appointment with one of our expert physiotherapists to let us immediately start assisting you in your road to recovery.

Achilles Tendon Pain Treatment Mississauga:

Physiotherapy Clinic Mississauga – Curezone Physiotherapy, Heartland Mississauga.

Physiotherapy Clinic Erin Mills – Curezone Physiotherapy, Erin Mills Mississauga.

Achilles Tendon Pain Treatment Oakville:

Physiotherapy Clinic Oakville – Curezone Physiotherapy, Burloak Oakville.