The Achilles Tendon connects the calf muscles and the heel bone. The main action of the achilles tendon is foot plantar flexion which contributes to walking, running, accelerating your car. Even though the tendon is very thick and strong, there are cases in which it can experience small tears to even a full rupture. In most cases full rupture tendon tears will require surgery. Some causes that may contribute to this injury are falling from a height, forceful plantar flexion of the ankle as in jumping with an extended knee or using the foot to break a fall if you stumble.
Early immobilisation following achilles tendon repair has been reported to be beneficial in terms of postoperative recovery and improved tendon vascularity. In the early stages of the recovery, physical therapy is devoted to edema control, reducing pain and increasing ROM.
Any recommendations?
PT or Chiro evaluation
- Activity modification
- Cryotherapy
- Gait Assessment
- Manual Therapy
- Electrical Stim
- Acupuncture
- Home exercise program provided by practitioner
Sources:
- https://journals.lww.com/sportsmedarthro/Abstract/2021/06000/Postoperative_Rehabilitation_Following_Achilles.10.aspx?context=LatestArticles
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1938640017751185
