Treatment for achilles tendon rupture can be done by immobilization or surgery, being the most appropriate surgery for young people who perform physical activity on a regular basis and need to resume training as soon as possible.
Immobilization is the treatment of choice for those who do not perform physical activity because it is less risky and usually does not need to recover so quickly.
- However.
- The treatment indicated by the orthopedist may also vary depending on the degree of rupture.
- Since in case of partial rupture only gypsum splints can be performed.
- While in complete break is always indicated surgery.
- But in both cases It is necessary to undergo physical therapy to fully recover and resume a normal walk.
- Without pain.
Therefore, treatment of calcaneus tendon rupture can be performed as follows:
Immobilization is the conservative treatment, indicated for partial rupture of the Achilles tendon in non-athletes, performed with the use of an orthopedic boot or a boot in a cast with heels to keep the heel higher and allow the tendon not to remain too long . natural healing of this structure.
This type of treatment usually lasts longer than in surgery and during this type of treatment it is important to avoid any activity such as walking more than 500 meters, climbing stairs, and you should not put your weight under your foot, even if you can put your foot on the ground when sitting.
Surgery is indicated to treat the complete rupture of the Achilles tendon, performed under general anesthesia, the doctor makes a small incision in the skin above the tendon, to place the points that join the tendon.
After surgery, it is necessary to keep the leg at rest for at least a week, especially making sure to keep the leg always above heart level to relieve swelling and pain. He lies on the bed and places a pillow under his leg. a good solution to relieve pain and prevent swelling.
After surgery, the orthopedist also puts on a cast or splint to immobilize the foot and prevent movement of the leg muscles. Immobilization lasts 6 to 8 weeks and during this period it is not recommended to put your foot on the ground and always use 2 crutches to walk.
Physiotherapy for cases should be initiated after orthopedist indication and can be performed with a plaster Physiotherapeutic treatment options for Achilles tendon rupture may contain characteristics of anti-inflammatory devices such as ultrasound, laser or others, stimuli to increase local blood circulation, strengthen leg muscles and eventually propioception.
Some techniques include passive knee-to-foot joint mobilization, ice use, local therapeutic massage therapy, muscle stretching, and, when the inflammatory state decreases, calf musculature should be strengthened with elastic bands of different resistances.
Ideally, physiotherapeutic treatment should be performed daily, preferably alternating with hydrotherapy, i. e. physiotherapy in the pool, until the physical therapist releases the patient. Discontinuation of physical therapy before physical therapist departure may facilitate a further pause in the future.
Learn more about physiotherapy for Achilles tendon rupture
After a complete rupture of the Achilles tendon, the average duration of treatment varies between 6 and 8 months, but in some cases if recovery is delayed or physiotherapy is performed 4 to 5 times per week, it may take 1 year for the person to resume normal activities and the activity that caused the alteration.
See nutritionist Tatiana Zanin’s tips on what to eat to improve her healing: