Treatment of Achilles Tendon Tears & Ruptures at Encino Orthopedics

The Achilles tendon is one of the longest tendons in the body and runs from the heel to the calf muscle. When the Achilles tendon tears, a snap is often felt occurring at the back of the heel, followed by intense pain and difficulty walking. Achilles tendon ruptures are not uncommon, and occur often in adults between 24-45, especially those participating in athletics. Tears or ruptures of the Achilles tendon also occur as a result of a fall or stepping in or on an uneven surface. When the Achilles tendon experiences a rupture/tear, a surgical procedure is often necessary to reattach the torn tendon.

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon tear include: a sudden snapped feeling at the back of the heel, accompanied by severe pain, weakness of the leg, inability to walk or remain balanced, and swelling and tenderness at the site of the injury. To treat am Achilles tendon tear, at Encino Orthopedics in the San Fernando Valley, Dr. Reisch will likely examine your Achilles tendon injury and determine its extent through a series of physical tests and scans, such as an MRI or an x-ray, in order to map the injury and establish its severity.

There are two typical methods of treating a tear in the Achilles tendon: surgical and non-surgical. In the non-surgical approach, a cast or a walking boot is used to stabilize the area so that the tendon can heal and strengthen. This method usually requires a longer recovery time and has a higher risk that the tendon may rupture again. The surgical route is fairly common and involves re-stitching the tendons together. Surgically correcting a torn Achilles may better prevent further or recurring injury. Either method of treatment will require some physical therapy and rehabilitation in order to regain full mobility and strength in the affected leg.