© Roland Jeffery Physiotherapy 2011 Phone: (09) 444-7643 Website: www.rjphysio.co.nz Achilles Tendon Rupture. What is an Achilles tendon rupture? The Achilles tendon is the tendon that runs from your calf muscle at the back of your leg and inserts in at the back of the heel (See Figure 1). A rupture of the Achilles tendon is more common in older players over 30 years who are recreational football players, however the injury can still occur in younger players. An Achilles tendon rupture sometimes occurs following a history of inflammation, pain or degeneration of the tendon but almost always results from sudden events such as pushing off hard on your toes, or ‘taking off to sprint’, while training or playing. The Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon rupture. If a player ruptures an Achilles tendon they will feel a sudden sharp pain as if someone has ‘whacked’ them in the back of the leg with something, like a cricket or golf ball (even though this has not happened). This pain will often be accompanied by a ‘crack’, ‘bang’ or ‘popping’ sensation. The player will be unable to stand or walk properly and be also unable to stand on tip- toes. There may be a gap felt in the tendon and there may be a lot of swelling (See Figure 2). What can the player do? The player needs to seek professional help immediately – at the local hospital, A&E clinic or sports doctor. Do not delay! The player can also apply ice and keep the leg immobilized (prevent any movement) until they see a doctor. What can be done? A doctor can confirm the diagnosis, through their knowledge of the injury and special testing. Once a diagnosis has been made there are essentially two options, A) to operate on the tendon (See Figure 3), or B) sometimes the leg is put into plaster or a ‘moon boot’ and let to heal without surgery. The action taken by the doctor to teat a player’s Achilles tendon rupture will depend on the injured player’s fitness and activity levels as well as the specific doctors preference. In either instance, the player will need crutches and either have their leg in plaster or a ‘moon-boot’ for several weeks. Figure 1: The Achilles tendon and the calf muscles. Figure 2: Ruptured Achilles Tendon.

Achilles Tendon Rupture Achilles tendon is the tendon that runs from your calf muscle at the back of your leg and inserts in at the back of the heel (See Figure 1). A rupture of the

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Page 1: Achilles Tendon Rupture Achilles tendon is the tendon that runs from your calf muscle at the back of your leg and inserts in at the back of the heel (See Figure 1). A rupture of the

Achilles Tendon Rupture. What is an Achilles tendon rupture?

The Achilles tendon is the tendon that runs from your calf muscle at the back of your leg and inserts in at the back of the heel (See Figure 1). A rupture of the Achilles tendon is more common in older players over 30 years who are recreational football players, however the injury can still occur in younger players. An Achilles tendon rupture sometimes occurs following a history of inflammation, pain or degeneration of the tendon but almost always results from sudden events such as pushing off hard on your toes, or ‘taking off to sprint’, while training or playing. The Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon rupture.

If a player ruptures an Achilles tendon they will feel a sudden sharp pain as if someone has ‘whacked’ them in the back of the leg with something, like a cricket or golf ball (even though this has not happened). This pain will often be accompanied by a ‘crack’, ‘bang’ or ‘popping’ sensation. The player will be unable to stand or walk properly and be also unable to stand on tip- toes. There may be a gap felt in the tendon and there may be a lot of swelling (See Figure 2).

What can the player do?

The player needs to seek professional help immediately – at the local hospital, A&E clinic or sports doctor. Do not delay! The player can also apply ice and keep the leg immobilized (prevent any movement) until they see a doctor. What can be done?

A doctor can confirm the diagnosis, through their knowledge of the injury and special testing. Once a diagnosis has been made there are essentially two options, A) to operate on the tendon (See Figure 3), or B) sometimes the leg is put into plaster or a ‘moon boot’ and let to heal without surgery. The action taken by the doctor to teat a player’s Achilles tendon rupture will depend on the injured player’s fitness and activity levels as well as the specific doctors preference. In either instance, the player will need crutches and either have their leg in plaster or a ‘moon-boot’ for several weeks.

Figure 1: The Achilles tendon and the calf muscles.

Figure 2: Ruptured Achilles Tendon.

Page 2: Achilles Tendon Rupture Achilles tendon is the tendon that runs from your calf muscle at the back of your leg and inserts in at the back of the heel (See Figure 1). A rupture of the

How long is a player out of training or playing? A football player that has sustained a ruptured Achilles tendon can expect to be out of training and playing for 6 months after surgery. This could be increased to 9- 12 months if the player has had their leg in plaster only – with no operation. However, doctors will use a combination of a plaster cast followed by a ‘moon boot’ (See Figure 4) to increase the recovery time. There are however, a number of factors that can influence this time of inactivity, including age, fitness and the players desire to rehabilitate. A sports physiotherapist will design an appropriate rehabilitation program for the player and help them through the rehabilitation (See Figure 5). Usually, progress is steady – with a gradual return to walking, running, then training and finally to playing.

Figure 5: Strength training the Achilles Tendon

Figure 4: Moon boot

Figure 3: Surgery: Achilles Tendon Rupture