Tendoachilles Rupture (Ankle Pain)

It’s a rupture of Achilles tendon which runs behind the ankle. Most commonly in the middle aged athlete. Injury often occurs while running, jumping or pivoting.

Causes:

  • Direct injury to Achilles tendon.
  • Sudden dorsi flexion or plantar flexion.
  • Fall from a height.
  • Jumping or stepping into a hole.

Risk Factors

  • Age 30 to 40 yrs.
  • Men > Women.
  • Obesity.
  • Running, jumping, sudden starts and stops: Such as soccer, basketball, tennis.
  • Steroid injections for pain relief in the ankle.
  • Certain antibiotics e.g. fluoroquinolone, ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin.

Signs and Symptoms:

  • Sharp pain and swelling behind the ankle generally described as struck by an object or implement.
  • Depression felt 2” above the heel.
  • Loud pop out sound.
  • The patient can walk but limping seen as the patient can’t stand on one leg.

Treatment:

Initial treatment

  • Rice: Rest to ankle, Icing over the ankle to limit blood supply thereby preventing further injury and swelling. Compress by crape bandage to limit swelling. Elevation of the ankle by placing a pillow underneath to drain fluid and blood downhill to the heart.
  • Physiotherapy
  • Ultrasound: To heal swelled and tender area.
  • Massage: Effleurage to drain fluid.
  • Stretching and strengthening exercise: After the pain and swelling relief.

Prevention:

  • Stretching and strengthening of calf muscles.
  • Avoid activities that give excessive stress on Achilles tendon such as jumping, hill running etc.
  • Change your exercises from high impact to low impact (running to walking or biking or swimming).
  • Avoid running on slippery surfaces.
  • Shoe modifications like properly fitted shoe and heel pads.
  • Gradual increasing in your exercise levels (distance, intensity, duration and frequency.)