It’s important to stay active, but activity and playing sports also puts you at risk of injuries. Your Achilles tendon is especially vulnerable to injury. Your foot and ankle specialist can help. The podiatrists of Capital Foot & Ankle in Austin, TX, provide comprehensive podiatry services, including diagnosis and treatment of an Achilles tendon rupture.

What You Need To Know About Achilles Tendon Injuries

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. There are several degrees of Achilles tendon injuries, from Achilles tendonitis to a ruptured Achilles tendon. If you rupture your Achilles tendon, it means that you have torn the tendon, either partially or completely. A ruptured Achilles tendon will impact your ability to walk. Additional signs and symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture include:

• Severe pain in your calf
• Pain and swelling near your heel
• Not being able to bend your foot down
• Not being able to push off the leg when walking
• Not being able to stand on your toes on the injured leg
• Noticing a popping or snapping sound when you injure yourself

If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms listed above, you need to visit your foot and ankle specialist. Your doctor will begin with a thorough examination of your lower leg. You may be asked to kneel or lie on your stomach with your feet over the edge of the examination table. Your doctor may squeeze your calf muscle to determine if your foot flexes. If your foot doesn’t flex, you may have ruptured your Achilles tendon.

Treatment of an Achilles tendon rupture can involve surgery to repair or reattach the tendon, or non-surgical methods, such as:

• Using crutches to allow the tendon to heal
• Wearing a walking boot to allow the tendon to heal
• Applying ice to the area to limit swelling
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers

Whether you choose surgery or non-surgical treatment, you will need physical therapy to strengthen your leg and Achilles tendon. Many people can return to normal activities after 4 to 6 months.

Want To Know More About an Achilles Tendon Rupture?

To find out more about the signs, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of an Achilles tendon rupture, call the podiatrists of Capital Foot & Ankle in Austin, TX. You can reach them in the office by calling (512) 474-6666, so call today.