Treating Ruptured Achilles Tendons

Rupturing your Achilles tendon can be a jarring experience, and it needs rapid Achilles tendon rupture treatment. It most often happens while you’re playing sports or exercising, though it can happen at almost any other time. You can tell you’ve ruptured your Achilles tendon if you hear a pop or cracking sound and feel a sharp pain between your ankle and the back of your calf. If this has happened to you, the orthopedic medicine specialists at High Mountain Orthopedics have both surgical and nonsurgical options for you that can have you back on both feet and back to your normal routine as soon as possible.

The Achilles tendon is a tough layer of connective tissue that extends down the back of both calves to an anchor point in the ankles. This tendon transmits much of the power to extend and contract your foot, and it can come under a lot of stress when you’re running, jumping or kicking. A rupture of this tendon may be partial or complete, and it’s considered a disabling injury for as long as it takes to recover, which may be several weeks.

Young people who’ve ruptured their Achilles tendon most often choose to repair the damage with surgery. In the most common procedure, a small incision is made in the leg to allow access, and the torn end of the injured tendon is brought back down and reattached to its former anchor point. The site usually heals over several weeks with light exercise therapy, and before long you can be back up and at the top of your game again.

Nonsurgical options are a preferred option for Achilles tendon rupture treatment among older and less physically active patients. Partial tears are also commonly treated without surgery. This also usually takes a few weeks. High Mountain Orthopedics has a range of devices, braces and other equipment to make this healing period as safe and productive as possible. With a sturdy foot brace and/or crutches, you can be back at work or household chores right away, and a full recovery is on the way.

If you’ve injured your Achilles tendon, however it happened or how mild or severe the symptoms are, you need expert medical attention right away to ensure the wound heals properly. High Mountain Orthopedics has a staff of experienced residents who can lay out your options and start your Achilles tendon rupture treatment without delay. Give us a call at (973) 595-7779, to schedule an appointment, or come see us at one of our four New Jersey locations today.