The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It allows us the strength to push off with up to ten times body weight in force. Unfortunately, at these extremes, sometimes the tendon ruptures.
The Achilles tendon very rarely partially ruptures. Patients complain of a popping sensation, like they were hit in the back of the heel with significant force. These can often be misdiagnosed as ankle sprains and delays in treatment are unfortunate but common.
Risk factors
These injuries commonly occur in the male “weekend warrior” such as 2040-year-olds who play intense sports like tennis or basketball without daily stretching or training.
Other risk factors include:
- High arch
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Lack of Stretching
- Anabolic Steroid Usage
- Certain Antibiotics such as Ciprofloxacin and Levaquin.
Often, the Achilles is mildly painful, or the calf is tight leading up to the injury. Diagnosis An Achilles rupture is usually obvious to a trained specialist based on history and physical examination alone. X-rays are still obtained to rule out any fracture. An MRI is often performed to assess the quality of the tendon and the amount of retraction.
References
https://www.footcaremd.org/conditions-treatments/ankle/achillestendon-tear
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/orthopaedic-surgery/specialtyareas/sports-medicine/conditions-we-treat/achilles-tendon-rupture.html
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