An Athlete's Worst Fear

A tear in the Achilles tendon is an injury that every athlete fears, as it’s the tendon that is torn the most often. Non-professional athletes are just as likely to tear this tendon or suffer from Achilles tendonitis, which is when the tendon becomes inflamed.  The Achilles tendon is a unique tendon because it can withstand 1,000 pounds of pressure. As the largest tendon in the body, it has to be able to support a person jumping, running, and every type of movement that one can think of. One knows there is a problem when pain occurs after exercising and it doesn’t get better. Pain will be localized near where the Achilles tendon and the heel bone meet. Swelling and stiffness can occur.

There are many ways one can tear the Achilles tendon or get Achilles tendonitis. What should one do if either of these occurs?

First, make an appointment with a Podiatrist to get checked out and get a proper diagnosis. Restricting the movement of the foot and ankle through a bandage or cast along with rest will minimize the pressure that is placed on the tendon. If the Achilles tendon is swollen, anti-inflammatory medication helps to reduce the swelling and minimize pain.

Moving forward, it is often suggested to wear orthotics to help support the muscle and relieve some of the stress that is placed on the tendon while exercising or playing a sport. If the sport or exercise is what is causing severe pain and Achilles problems, one might be advised to play a sport that is not as intense on the limbs, joints, and tendons. Swimming is a great exercise and sport that doesn’t stress the tendons. Proper stretching can’t be stressed enough. Weak muscles can cause tendon problems.

In the case of an Achilles tendon tear, surgery is a treatment option. In those cases, physical therapy is required after the surgery in order to strengthen the muscles groups and tendon. Recovery time of an Achilles tendon tear is much longer than a when the Achilles is inflamed or swollen.


Citations:

Image by Phallin Ooi. (2007). Football. Creative Commons. Retrieved from http://www.flickr.com/photos/phalinn/371857372/
Vittori Foot and Ankle Specialist. (2012). Achilles tendonitis. Retrieved from http://www.vittorifootclinic.com/library/1749/AchillesTendonitis.html