WHAT IS AN ACHILLES TENDON RUPTURE?
The achilles tendon runs from the musculotendinous junction of the gastrocnemius (calf muscle) to its insertion on the calcaneous (heel bone). A forcefull sudden contraction of this tendon, such as when a football player changes direction or a gymnast dismounts an apparatus, results in a large amount of tension. If the tension becomes too great, the tendon fails, resulting in an anchilles tendon rupture. There are two theories for why an achilles tendon may rupture. The first suggest that the cause is chronic degeneration, whereas the other suggests that it is failure of the inhibitory mechanism of the musculotendinous unit. Although this injury can occur in any person, it is seen most in men over the age of 30.
History
Pain: Achilles tendon and/or lower portion of the gastrocnemius
Onset: Acute
Mechanism: Forcefull plantarflexion with eccentric loading, usually the result of eccentric loading or plyometric contraction of the calf muscle
Inspection
A defect may be visible in the achilles tendon or at the musculotendinous junction, but rapid swelling may obscure this, Discoloration may also be present. Patient will be unable to bear weight on the involved extremity.
Pain: Achilles tendon and/or lower portion of the gastrocnemius
Onset: Acute
Mechanism: Forcefull plantarflexion with eccentric loading, usually the result of eccentric loading or plyometric contraction of the calf muscle
Inspection
A defect may be visible in the achilles tendon or at the musculotendinous junction, but rapid swelling may obscure this, Discoloration may also be present. Patient will be unable to bear weight on the involved extremity.
Palpation
A palpable defect in the achilles tendon, although it may quickly become obscured by swelling.
Range of Motion
AROM: Plantarflexion may possible still be present, although there will be pain. Pain with dorsiflexion
PROM: Pain during dorsiflexion with an empty end-feel
A palpable defect in the achilles tendon, although it may quickly become obscured by swelling.
Range of Motion
AROM: Plantarflexion may possible still be present, although there will be pain. Pain with dorsiflexion
PROM: Pain during dorsiflexion with an empty end-feel