Know About Achilles Tendon Repair

Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in our body. Generally this tendon is injured in sports and other rigorous activities. Especially in developed countries, there has been a great chance for Achilles tendon injuries.

Most commonly, Achilles tendon injuries can cause swelling, pain and inability to do certain movements or activities. This condition can be caused by overuse of joints due to activities like jumping, running and some strenuous physical activity, and certain systemic, predisposing diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. People with Achilles tendon injury generally experience severe pain after the periods of inactivity. So, people experience pain after walking in the morning, and when getting up after sitting for longer periods.

Some of the factors that cause Achilles tendon injuries include:

1. Lower extremity mal-alignments

2. Muscle weakness

3. Reduced flexibility

4. Imbalance

5. Overweight

6. Leg length discrepancy

7. Excessive loading of the body

8. Some training errors

Achilles tendon injuries can be treated through several ways. Usually, you won’t experience any symptoms before the rupture, but several studies shown that tissue degeneration at and around the rupture area will take place. This condition leads to poor blood circulation and then any sudden and repetitive movements can lead to Achilles tendon ruptures.

Surgery is the long-term and most preferable way to treat Achilles tendon. Anesthesia will be given before performing the surgery. The surgeon makes a vertical cut at the back of your heal. Then the ends of the ruptured tendon are brought together. They are stitched to help the tendons to heal. Then the skin wounds are closed with clips or stitches. The surgery needs 3-4 days stay in the hospital.