{"id":2269,"date":"2023-02-06T13:50:48","date_gmt":"2023-02-06T13:50:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/comcorpus.pt\/?page_id=2269"},"modified":"2023-05-18T17:16:41","modified_gmt":"2023-05-18T17:16:41","slug":"achilles-tendon-rupture","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/comcorpus.pt\/en\/pathologies\/achilles-tendon-rupture\/","title":{"rendered":"Achilles Tendon Rupture"},"content":{"rendered":"

The strongest tendon in the human body
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Achilles Tendon Rupture<\/h3>\n

The Achilles tendon is the strongest and most resistant tendon in the human body, connecting the posterior leg muscles (“calves”) to the heel. Despite its strength, it is the most common tendon injury in the lower limb, with preponderance in men and in the 30-50 age group.<\/p>\n

Tears of the Achilles tendon result in a separation or discontinuity of the tissues making up the tendon and can be classified as total rupture (most frequent) or partial rupture.<\/p>\n

Most ruptures occur during sports such as football, athletics, tennis, basketball, etc., and mainly affect athletes, sedentary middle-aged people or so-called “weekend warriors\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"Rotura<\/a>The main causes <\/strong>of this injury include excessive and repetitive strain on the tendon, due to a significant increase in sports activity or a change in habitual exercise habits.<\/p>\n

Other factors that can result in ruptures include direct trauma to the leg or heel, chronic inflammation or even the use of certain medications, such as corticosteroids and some antibiotics.<\/p>\n

Symptoms<\/h3>\n

Symptoms <\/strong>– sudden, severe pain in the “back” of the ankle or “calf”; a snapping sound (at the moment when the rupture occurs); swelling and redness at the site of the injury; a discontinuity or depression that can be felt and seen in the tendon above the heel bone; the inability to stand on “tiptoes” or put the foot on the ground and walk.<\/p>\n

Diagnosis is based on clinical assessment and complementary diagnostic tests, namely ultrasound or MRI.<\/p>\n

Treatment<\/h3>\n

Two types of treatment <\/strong>can be considered: conservative and surgical, depending on the severity of the injury, the person\u2019s age, physical condition and the level of activity. Regardless of the treatment chosen, both will require a period of immobilisation, followed by a rehabilitation protocol to regain mobility, strength, gait and function.<\/p>\n

In general, all tendon ruptures benefit from the RICE approach (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Reducing the load on the joint by using crutches or an orthosis such as a “walker boot” and physiotherapy are essential parts of the rehabilitation process.<\/p>\n

Some of the techniques used in physiotherapy<\/a> include:<\/p>\n