Achilles Tendon Tear Prevention

A severe Achilles tendon injury or tear is one of the most debilitating experiences you can encounter. This tendon connects your calf muscle to your heel bone, and it is the largest tendon in your body. It is also susceptible to considerable stress during sport and work activities where overstretching the tendon can cause a partial tear or a complete rupture. Sports such as tennis and basketball that require sudden stops and starts can be hard on the Achilles tendon. Certain medications, including antibiotics, have been shown to cause temporary weakness of tendons and may increase your risk of an Achilles tendon tear. Individuals aged 30-40 are more likely to suffer this injury, and it happens more frequently in men.

Signs of Achilles Tendon Rupture and Treatment

A sound you never want to hear is the one your Achilles tendon makes when it tears or ruptures. You and other people in the vicinity may actually hear a loud popping or snapping sound as your tendon suddenly rips or breaks. There will be sudden, excruciating pain and swelling in your heel area and won’t be capable of stepping, standing on your toes, or pushing off of the affected leg.

Treatment depends upon the severity of the injury and may include wearing a walking boot with specially made heel elevation inserts for a lengthy period of time while the damage heals. In severe cases, surgery may be required to reattach or repair the tendon.

Achilles Tendon Tears Can Be Prevented

The best way to avoid a major injury to your Achilles tendon is to always warm up and stretch before vigorous activity, paying particular attention to your calf muscles. Stretching after activity is also helpful in removing pent up stress on the tendons. You can also decrease the overall stress load on your Achilles tendons by varying your activities to include lower impact pursuits like swimming, bike riding, and yoga.

If you are experiencing heel pain, we highly recommend that you consult our board certified podiatrists Andrew Shapiro, DPM and Michael Barkin, DPM. With access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, we can assist you with heel pain, ankle sprains, diabetic foot care, toe deformities, nail fungus, and skin problems, among many other conditions. Our practice is conveniently located on West Merrick Road in Valley Stream to accommodate all of your foot care needs. Call (516) 825-3860 or book an appointment online today!

A severe Achilles tendon injury or tear is one of the most debilitating experiences you can encounter. This tendon connects your calf muscle to your heel bone, and it is the largest tendon in your body. It is also susceptible to considerable stress during sport and work activities where overstretching the tendon can cause a partial tear or a complete rupture. Sports such as tennis and basketball that require sudden stops and starts can be hard on the Achilles tendon. Certain medications, including antibiotics, have been shown to cause temporary weakness of tendons and may increase your risk of an Achilles tendon tear. Individuals aged 30-40 are more likely to suffer this injury, and it happens more frequently in men.

Signs of Achilles Tendon Rupture and Treatment

A sound you never want to hear is the one your Achilles tendon makes when it tears or ruptures. You and other people in the vicinity may actually hear a loud popping or snapping sound as your tendon suddenly rips or breaks. There will be sudden, excruciating pain and swelling in your heel area and won’t be capable of stepping, standing on your toes, or pushing off of the affected leg.

Treatment depends upon the severity of the injury and may include wearing a walking boot with specially made heel elevation inserts for a lengthy period of time while the damage heals. In severe cases, surgery may be required to reattach or repair the tendon.

Achilles Tendon Tears Can Be Prevented

The best way to avoid a major injury to your Achilles tendon is to always warm up and stretch before vigorous activity, paying particular attention to your calf muscles. Stretching after activity is also helpful in removing pent up stress on the tendons. You can also decrease the overall stress load on your Achilles tendons by varying your activities to include lower impact pursuits like swimming, bike riding, and yoga.

If you are experiencing heel pain, we highly recommend that you consult our board certified podiatrists Andrew Shapiro, DPM and Michael Barkin, DPM. With access to advanced technologies, along with years of experience to help diagnose and treat a variety of foot and ankle problems, we can assist you with heel pain, ankle sprains, diabetic foot care, toe deformities, nail fungus, and skin problems, among many other conditions. Our practice is conveniently located on West Merrick Road in Valley Stream to accommodate all of your foot care needs. Call (516) 825-3860 or book an appointment online today!