Definition/ Anatomy
The Achilles tendon is the supposedly strongest tendon in the human body. Tendons attach muscles to bones; in this case the tendon of insertion of the two muscles soleus as well as the gastrocnemius is the Achilles tendon, which is often a typical cause of distress for athletes in sports such as tennis, basketball, and soccer, as well as other athletic activities involving running, jumping, and rotating movements (Behnke, 2012).
Reasons for Achilles Tendon Rupture and Symptoms
Besides the normal degenerative wear factors that are founded in poorer blood circulation of the tendon tissue at increased age, and the mere mechanical explanations for the occurrence of an Achilles tendon rupture, there are also biological aspects …show more content…
Of course, an Achilles tendon rupture can happen even if the individual is in good physical health. This is especially the case when the tendons aren’t sufficiently warmed up during the warm-up period, or as a result of a low pH level due to muscle fatigue from accumulated lactic acid after high-energy demand of the muscles (Sahlin, n.d.). In both cases the Achilles tendon is mechanically overused, and the risk of a rupture is increased.
A rupture of the Achilles tendon often occurs spontaneously, without preciously felt pain, or other complaints/ symptoms. In almost 90% of these cases, it is a rupture that occurs under physical stress of the tendon; therefore, those most affected are athletes, or generally athletically active individuals (Kenney et al., 2012).
Often the resilience of the tendon may have also been reduced during a subsequent sporting activity, from a previously minor injury/ tear (micro tear) of the tendon. The tendon can also become damaged through injury such as a cut in the heel area; if this injury is very deep, the result can be a complete severing of the tendon. Furthermore, people who live a sedentary lifestyle may also have an increased risk of ruptures due to the reduced resilience of the Achilles tendon; because the tendon is not conditioned to sudden on-set of stress it can rupture easier (Kenney …show more content…
Conservative therapy measures are typically applied when the tendon is only partially torn, as well as elderly patients who are less likely to put much burden on the tendon in the future (Nowak, 2012). These measures include a temporary immobilization of the affected foot joint in a special cast or boot. These boots are equipped with an elevation in the heel part of the boot that promotes the healing the ruptured tendon; furthermore, with this boot the patient may put weight onto the foot earlier (Nowak, 2012). In addition, physical therapy is typically added after approximately 3 weeks, which promotes and restores the mobility of the tendon, lower leg, and foot (Behnke, 2012). This therapy should be continued until the recovery of the original
The Achilles tendon is the supposedly strongest tendon in the human body. Tendons attach muscles to bones; in this case the tendon of insertion of the two muscles soleus as well as the gastrocnemius is the Achilles tendon, which is often a typical cause of distress for athletes in sports such as tennis, basketball, and soccer, as well as other athletic activities involving running, jumping, and rotating movements (Behnke, 2012).
Reasons for Achilles Tendon Rupture and Symptoms
Besides the normal degenerative wear factors that are founded in poorer blood circulation of the tendon tissue at increased age, and the mere mechanical explanations for the occurrence of an Achilles tendon rupture, there are also biological aspects …show more content…
Of course, an Achilles tendon rupture can happen even if the individual is in good physical health. This is especially the case when the tendons aren’t sufficiently warmed up during the warm-up period, or as a result of a low pH level due to muscle fatigue from accumulated lactic acid after high-energy demand of the muscles (Sahlin, n.d.). In both cases the Achilles tendon is mechanically overused, and the risk of a rupture is increased.
A rupture of the Achilles tendon often occurs spontaneously, without preciously felt pain, or other complaints/ symptoms. In almost 90% of these cases, it is a rupture that occurs under physical stress of the tendon; therefore, those most affected are athletes, or generally athletically active individuals (Kenney et al., 2012).
Often the resilience of the tendon may have also been reduced during a subsequent sporting activity, from a previously minor injury/ tear (micro tear) of the tendon. The tendon can also become damaged through injury such as a cut in the heel area; if this injury is very deep, the result can be a complete severing of the tendon. Furthermore, people who live a sedentary lifestyle may also have an increased risk of ruptures due to the reduced resilience of the Achilles tendon; because the tendon is not conditioned to sudden on-set of stress it can rupture easier (Kenney …show more content…
Conservative therapy measures are typically applied when the tendon is only partially torn, as well as elderly patients who are less likely to put much burden on the tendon in the future (Nowak, 2012). These measures include a temporary immobilization of the affected foot joint in a special cast or boot. These boots are equipped with an elevation in the heel part of the boot that promotes the healing the ruptured tendon; furthermore, with this boot the patient may put weight onto the foot earlier (Nowak, 2012). In addition, physical therapy is typically added after approximately 3 weeks, which promotes and restores the mobility of the tendon, lower leg, and foot (Behnke, 2012). This therapy should be continued until the recovery of the original