Achilles Tendon Rupture
How Are Achilles Tendon Problems Evaluated?
Your physician will conduct a physical exam of your feet, heel and ankle. Be prepared to answer questions about your exercise regimen. If a rupture is suspected, your physician may order an MRI.
How is an Achilles Rupture Treated?
Self Care
For immediate care following an injury follow the PRINCE treatment model:
- Protect your ankle with a supportive brace. Use crutches until the pain subsides.
- Rest your ankle.
- Ice your ankle several times a day for 10 to 20 minutes.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) help with pain relief and swelling reduction. Compression with an elastic compression wrap also helps reduce swelling—but it does not offer support when walking.
- Elevation. Raise your ankle above the level of your heart to reduce swelling and bruising.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Your doctor or physical therapist may recommend support devices such as a walking boot or crutches.
Your doctor may give a series of gentle stretches and range of motion exercises to prevent to do to improve flexibility.
Your doctor may prescribe physical therapy to learn proper exercise technique and form
Surgery
You may want to consider surgery if more conservative treatment options are not effective. There are two types of surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon; open (one large incision) and percutaneous ( several small incisions). In both types of surgery, the surgeon sews the tendon back together through the incision(s). If the torn tendon has degenerated, the surgeon may have to reinforce it with a tendon taken from another part of your body.
Recovery time is one to three months wearing a walking boot, cast or brace. After removal of the support, your physician will prescribe physical therapy to restore flexibility and strength.
For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).