Write-up by Dr Andrew Schneider

The Achilles tendon is an crucial connection among the calf and the heel and the moment of the strongest in the body. If it ruptures, it can be catastrophic…specifically for athletes. On March 14, soccer participant David Beckham tore his left Achilles tendon throughout a match against Chievo Verona. The Achilles tendon has an important purpose to permit you to stand on your toes, a movement that is named plantarflexion.

A rupture or tear of the Achilles tendon limits mobility as you are not in a position to push off your toes. This limits and restricts your capability to stroll and run. At the internet site of rupture you will see signs of swelling, tenderness and bruising along wherever the tendon tore. Injuries to the Achilles are usually caused by sudden drive or a weakening of the tendon that provides because of to a normal power. A lot of explain a feeling of getting kicked in the again of the leg when the tendon ruptures.

Particular folks are vulnerable to Achilles tendon tears, especially people who wear footwear that plantarflex their toes these as ladies wearing high heels. This continual place of plantarflexion of the foot brings about the Achilles tendon to shorten, triggering the tendon to grow to be tighter. When the person stands in a a lot more neutral position, forces will trigger the tendon to both stretch or tear.

In buy to avert the shortening of the Achilles tendon, it is suggested to put on suitable shoes. It is also very critical to stretch after a run or a exercise. Running brings about contracture of the tendon and can lead to it to tighten. Stretching will support to restore the size of the tendon and enable for an less difficult muscle recovery.

Most Achilles tendon ruptures are partial tears. In simple fact, several are frequently perplexed with Achilles tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon. My rule of thumb in my Houston podiatry apply is, if a affected person does not respond to a brief program of anti-inflammatory medication, I send them for an MRI to rule out a rupture. Treating a partial tear aggressively often leads to a quick and uneventful recovery. Ignoring it, however, can lead it to additional weaken and grow to be a total rupture.

Recovering from a total Achilles tendon tear is extremely lengthy and irritating. Surgical procedure to reattach the tendon is typically required. This is adopted up by immobilization and physical treatment. In the scenario of David Beckham, he had medical procedures the subsequent day to restore his Achilles tendon and is expected to make a recovery in the following five-8 months and is anticipated to return to the subject someday in September of this 12 months.

About the Author

Dr.Andrew Schneider is a podiatrist in private practice in Houston, TX. He is dedicated to preserving the well being and security of the ft of athletes and return them to their activity as quickly as possible soon after damage. For much more information about foot well being in sports activities, informative videos, and to purchase his Totally free e-book, pay a visit to http://tanglewoodfootspecialists.com and his weblog http://www.HoustonRunDoc.com