When your Achilles tendon is injured, there are a wide range of symptoms that you may experience, from a weakness in your leg to hearing an audible ‘pop’ followed by extreme leg pain. The Achilles tendon is one of the longest tendons in your body. It is the springy band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, and it is in use for every single step that you take. Every time that you walk, run, jump, dance, or use your legs in any way, you will be engaging your Achilles tendon. Unfortunately, the Achilles tendon is also a commonly injured tendon. Many Achilles tendon injuries happen when the tendon becomes swollen and painful, or by tendinitis. In the most serious Achilles tendon injuries, too much force exerted on the tendon is able to cause a partial Achilles tendon tear, or in the worst cases, a complete rupture if the tendon is torn completely. Read on to learn more about injuries to the Achilles tendon and when you should visit a foot doctor. Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute is a top foot and ankle clinic in Celebration. Call Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute today to schedule your appointment!
Achilles Tendon Injury Causes
The Achilles tendon serves an important function in the body, and is able to withstand great stress from running, jumping, and all of our daily activities- however, the Achilles is also prone to tendinitis, which is an inflammation of the tendon, as well as rupture, a condition that happens with overuse or degeneration. When an Achilles rupture occurs, the Achilles tendon itself tears, either partially or completely. This is typically due to degeneration, when the tendon loses its organized structure and beings to develop microscopic tears over time, or is able to happen acutely from an injury. Achilles injuries happen the most often when pushing off of the foot, such as when jumping or accelerating, which suddenly stresses the tendon. This is usually seen in sport related injuries such as running, dance, tennis, volleyball, football, and other sports that necessitate a lot of fast stops and takeoffs. There are many reasons why an Achilles tendon is able to weaken or get injured. Some common cases our foot and ankle clinic see are due to medications, disease, age, high heels, arch issues, and overuse. Moreover, a sudden increase in physical activity and a lack of stretching tight tendons in the leg are other common factors.
Seeing A Foot Doctor
Some common symptoms of a ruptured Achilles tendon include:
- A snap, crack, or popping sound when pushing off with your leg
- Trouble moving your foot to walk or climb stairs
- Unable to stand on your toes
- Pain, bruising, and swelling at the back of your leg or heel
If you have any of these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical attention in order to have a complete diagnosis of your Achilles tendon to find out the severity of your injury.
Contact Us Today
If you are experiencing the symptoms of a ruptured Achilles tendon, go and visit a foot doctor immediately. Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute is a top foot and ankle clinic in Celebration. Call Celebration Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Institute for an appointment today.