Achilles Tendon Rupture

Tendon/Muscle Injury and Repair | Why I Do What I Do Best

The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. A rupture of this tendon can cause significant pain and impair the ability to walk, run, or stand on tiptoes.

Causes

An Achilles tendon rupture typically occurs when the tendon is stretched beyond its capacity. This can happen during activities that involve sudden changes in direction, jumping, or landing. Common causes include:

Participating in sports that require running, jumping, or rapid directional changes (e.g., basketball, tennis, soccer)
Tripping or falling
Direct trauma to the Achilles tendon

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of an Achilles tendon rupture, including:

Age (most common between 30 and 50 years old)
Sex (more prevalent in men)
Certain medications (e.g., fluoroquinolones, corticosteroids)
Medical conditions (e.g., diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis)

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture include:

Sudden, severe pain at the back of the ankle or calf
A popping or snapping sound at the time of injury
Difficulty walking, running, or standing on tiptoes
Swelling and bruising in the affected area

มีอาการบวมและฟกช้ำบริเวณด้านหลังข้อเท้าหรือน่อง

Treatment

Immediate treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture typically involves rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE).

For a complete Achilles tendon rupture, surgical intervention is usually recommended to facilitate faster recovery and reduce the risk of re-rupture.

A commonly used technique for Achilles tendon repair in acute ruptures is the Hybrid Technique which combines:

Percutaneous Repair for the lower portion of the tendon, a minimally invasive approach that preserves the overlying skin, which is particularly vulnerable in this area.
Mini-Open Repair for the upper portion of the rupture, reducing the risk of nerve injury while allowing for additional procedures, such as Achilles tendon lengthening in cases of tendon shortening, to enhance recovery outcomes.