Achilles tendon is the largest in our body, which does not protect it from damage. As sensitive as the heel of a mythical hero, he gets injured, for example, when we suddenly jump into a run. What are the causes and types of Achilles tendon injuries? How is the treatment of such injuries?

The Achilles tendonconsists of two muscles that build the calf: the gastrocnemius and the soleus. The Achilles tendon connects to the foot near the calcaneus tumor. This intricate design allows us to stand on our toes, bend our feet, and lift and lower them as we take each step.

Achilles tendon injury requires rehabilitation

Achilles tendon is most often damaged by men in their forties. Many men of this age want to improve their condition and begin intenseexercisephysical. Exercises performed without proper warm-up often provoke damage to the tendon. What is worse, the blood supply to the so-called muscle-tendon structure. It is weaker and breaks easily. If the Achilles tendon is only strained or partially ruptured, it is sufficient to immobilize the leg for three weeks. After removing the plaster, a long, six-week long rehabilitationis necessary . If the tendon is completely ruptured, surgery will be necessary.

Achilles tendon injury causes pain

Repetition of a single movement for long periods or overexertion while walking on uneven surfaces can also damage the tendon. If a tendon tears, the calf will swell and turn red. A bruise may appear, indicating some blood has been poured out into the tissues. Minor damage can turn into chronic inflammation, and any injury to this tendon is painful. Initially, it only occurs with some foot movements. Over time, however, it turns into a constant, sharp pain. When the Achilles tendon is inflamed, you can sometimes even hear a crackling or scratching scratch with every leg movement. These sounds are caused by fluid building up in the sheath that surrounds the gastrocnemius and tendon. If it is not treated in time, adhesions will form inside the tendon sheath. You need to put such a leg in a plaster or a special stabilizer for three weeks or use physical therapy: a laser,ultrasound or cryotherapy.

Important
  • Minor damage to the Achilles tendon or bursa can be alleviated by lubricating the back of the calf or heel, the so-called ointment for athletes. You can buy it at a pharmacy without a prescription. It has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. It is enough to lubricate the sick places three times a day, save the leg, and after a few days it regains its former efficiency.
  • Cold compresses from the altacet also bring relief. Oilcloth should not be put on the dressing, because a warm, warming compress will be created, which in this case is unfavorable.

Achilles tendon may fail if it becomes bursitis. We have two bursae in each foot. One, shallow, is located just under the skin, where the classic shoe ends. A bad fit, with a hard heel, will put pressure on her. Even after one day of walking in these shoes, the heel will swell and the pain will make it difficult to put the foot up normally. The second bursa, deep, lies below the Achilles tendon and is less frequently inflamed. When it does occur, the pain and restriction of movement are the same as with shallow bursitis.

Treatment of the Achilles tendon by surgery

A complete Achilles tendon rupture requires surgery. Contemporary orthopedics uses many methods, the so-called tendon anastomosis, i.e. joining its ends. They are most often performed by young people and athletes. Many elderly people, fearing bad wound healing, often get the so-called percutaneous tendon fusion. The success of such an operation always depends on the experience of the surgeon, because he has to feel the ends of the tendons through the skin with his fingers and then sew them together. The torn tendon is always joined under general anesthesia. After surgery, the leg must be immobilized for six weeks. The next stage of treatment is a six-week rehabilitation, which is always adapted to the physical capacity of the patient. The selection of exercises also depends on whether he is working in a standing position, doing sports professionally or otherwise overloading tendons and muscles.

You must do it
  • Always wear comfortable shoes.
  • New shoes should be sold out. If there is pressure on your heel, insert the cork, but not more than one centimeter. Then the pressure on the bursa will decrease and the tendon will have time to rest, i.e. regenerate.
  • Before any physical exercise, and even before intense work that may put strain on your legs, warm them up so that the tendons stretch more easily and are more flexible.
  • Don't come to sports activities at the last minute. Warming up will save you from injury.
  • Before you start exercising in the gym, ask your instructor what equipment you can use.Also ask to adjust the load to your physical capacity.
  • Exercise for 15 minutes a day for at least a month before going skiing.

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Spine, bones, joints