Apr 10, 2023

Physiotherapy, General Posts, Ankle, Aches & Pains

Research reveals that 5 to 10 per 100,000 people face an Achilles tendon rupture. A ruptured Achilles tendon is every athlete’s worst nightmare and always happens within a second.

One hard hit or a quick pivot, and you could be sidelined for the rest of the sports season. But that’s one of the many ways you can rupture your Achilles tendon. It can also occur due to immense stress.

Sometimes these injuries heal with rest, bracing, and a little massage therapy. But many people require physiotherapy and surgery to repair it. Here at Monarch Physiotherapy Clinic, our professional physical therapists help you walk the path to recovery:

What are Achilles Tendon Injuries?

It’s a thick tendon attaching the calf muscle to the heel bone. This band of tissue is the strongest tendon in our body, allowing us to push off while performing various types of movements, such as running and walking.

Achilles injuries can occur in several places, including the muscle-tendon junction. Typically, it happens when the tendon stretches beyond its breaking point, especially while playing sports. However, working with a physical therapist or physiotherapist speed up the recovery process.

Understanding the Causes of Achilles Tendon Injuries

These injuries can occur due to multiple reasons. Here’s a closer look at the two most common causes:

Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis mainly occurs due to excessive use, stress, or regional damage, which leads to severe pain in your leg and heel. In addition, it can cause the thickening and hardening of affected areas.

It will worsen if you put-off treatment and physiotherapy exercises. There are two types of tendonitis:

Non-Insertional- Small tears in your tendon can cause pain and swelling, which leads to breakage. Non-insertional mainly occurs in active young adults

Insertional- Insertional Achilles tendonitis damages the area where the tendon meets the heel. Consequently, this causes the formation of bone spurs

Rupture

Ruptures in the Achilles tendon occur due to tears in the tendon fiber, leading to complete or partial tears. You’ll hear a loud “pop” when the tendon ruptures.

How Can We Treat Achilles Tendon Injuries

Most people who experience pain and injuries due to tendon overuse need treatments and physiotherapy. Here are several ways you can treat Achilles tendon injuries effectively:

• Rest and other modification behaviors
• Working with a sports physiotherapist
• Physical therapy
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and sports medicine
• Platelet-rich plasma injections

Achilles tendon repair can help you dive back into your daily life and continue playing your favorite sports. At Monarch Physiotherapy Clinic, our highly trained and experienced physiotherapists help you practice stretching and strengthening exercises to help you walk the path to recovery. Contact us or book your appointment today!