DEFINITION
Your Achilles tendon is the fibrous, very strong cord that forms the connection between the bone of your heel and the muscles in the back of your lower leg. An Achilles tendon rupture can occur if this cord stretches too far. The Achilles tendon rupture can tear just partway, or it can rupture completely. These types of injuries most often happen during recreational sporting activities.
When the Achilles tendon tears or ruptures, some people feel it snap or pop. This is usually followed by severe pain in the calf and ankle that makes it difficult to bear weight and walk. In some cases, surgery is needed for an Achilles tendon rupture to repair it, but in other cases, conservative (non-surgical) treatment can be effectively used.
ACHILLES TENDON RUPTURE CAUSES
The Achilles tendon is responsible for much of the movement in the foot. It helps point the toes and foot down. It assists you when you walk by helping you rise up onto your toes and pushing off your foot to propel yourself forward.
Achilles tendon rupture most often occurs within about 3 inches of where the tendon connects to the bone of the heel. This portion of the tendon may be the most prone to injury because it gets the least amount of blood flow. This is one factor that may also make healing slow.
Achilles tendon rupture often happens when the amount of stress exerted on the tendon is suddenly increased. Some examples of Achilles tendon rupture causes include:
- Suddenly increasing the intensity of the level of participation in sports, especially in activities that include jumping
- Falling onto the ankle from a distance involving some height can cause Achilles tendon rupture
- Stepping unexpectedly with one foot or ankle into a hole
Click Here to read about Symptoms.
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