Ruptured Achilles Tendon

 Achilles tendonitis may lead to a torn Achilles

A.D.A.M.The Achilles tendon is the largest and most vulnerable tendon in the body. It joins the gastrocnemius (calf) and the soleus muscles of the lower leg to heel of the foot. The gastrocnemius muscle crosses the knee, the ankle, and the subtalar joints and can create stress and tension in the Achilles tendon. Tendons are strong, but not very flexible so they can only so far before they get inflammed and tear or rupture. The exact cause of Achilles tendon ruptures is hard to say. It can happen suddenly, without warning, or following an Achilles tendonitis. It seems that weak calf muscles may contribute to problems. If the muscles are weak and become fatigued, they may tighten and shorten. Overuse can also be a problem by leading to muscle fatigue. The more fatigued the calf muscles are, the shorter and tighter they will become. This tightness can increase the stress on the Achilles tendon and result in a rupture.

Additionally, an imbalance of strength of the anterior lower leg muscles and the posterior lower leg muscles may also put an athlete at risk for an injury to the Achilles tendon.

An Achilles tendon rupture is more likely when the force on the tendon is greater than the strength of the tendon. If the foot is dorsiflexed while the lower leg moves forward and the calf muscles contract, a rupture may occur. Most ruptures happen during a forceful stretch of the tendon while the calf muscles contract.

A classic sign of an Achilles tendon rupture is the feeling of being hit in the Achilles are. There is often a "pop" sound. There may be little pain, but the person can not lift up onto his toes while weight bearing.

A completely ruptured Achilles tendon requires surgery and up to 12 weeks in a cast. Partial tears are sometimes are treated with surgery following by a cast. Because the tendon shortens as it heals, a heel lift is used for 6 months or more after the cast comes off. Physical therapy to regain flexibility and then strength are begun as soon as the cast is off.

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Achilles Tendon Heel Stretch

The Achilles tendon, runs along the back of your lower leg and connects the two major calf muscles, gastrocnemius and soleus, to the back of the heel bone. This tendon is helps point the toes (plantar flexion) and contracts during sports the require powerful or explosive movements including sprinting, jumping, cycling or stair running.

The Achilles tendon may be prone to injury, such as a Achilles tendonitis, or and Achilles tendon rupture, if not properly warmed up or if it becomes weak from fatigue or overuse. Tight calf muscles may also be more prone to injury including calf pulls or strains.

There are many different ways to stretch your Achilles tendon, but here is a simple stretch you can do while standing. Stand about an arm's-length from a wall or another sturdy object. Lean forward and place both hands on the wall about shoulder width apart. Extend one foot (the side to be stretched) behind you with your knee bend and heel on the ground. Keep the other foot closer to the wall. Lean into wall slightly and bend the knee of the heel to be stretched (keeping the heel down) until you feel a stretch in the back of the lower leg (just above the heel). Sink down slowly with your hips to deepen the stretch. Hold this stretch for about 30 seconds and change sides. This stretch is similar to the calf stretch, however by bending your knee you focus the stretch on the Achilles rather than the calf.

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