Your Achilles tendon is critical to your ability to walk and run. Without it, you would be able to do neither, as it connects your calf muscle to the rear of your heel, stabilizing each step you take. An Achilles tendon rupture is extremely painful and requires immediate attention from your Seattle podiatrist.
Doctors Huppin and Hale, the podiatrists at the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington, are skilled foot and ankle physicians with advanced training, respected credentials, and meaningful experience treating a broad spectrum of foot and ankle injuries, including a ruptured Achilles tendon.
Treating a ruptured Achilles tendon
Achilles was a great mythological hero who was vulnerable to attack at only one place on his body – his heel. This is why the “Achilles heel” is considered an area of weakness and vulnerability in human beings. More important however, and not based on any sort of myth, this area of your body is critical to your ability to move smoothly and comfortably.
Whether referred to as a ruptured Achilles or a torn Achilles tendon; whether a partial rupture or a complete rupture, the injury is commonly the result of a sports related activity. It will usually be accompanied by a “pop” or “snap” sound down near your heel, and you will most likely experience immediate, significant pain, as well inflammation near your heel. Further, you will find it virtually impossible to “push off” when you try to walk with a ruptured Achilles tendon.
If this happens to you, you should seek immediate medical attention. When you call us, tell our receptionist you think you have a tendon rupture and she’ll get you in right away.
If you are unable to see your podiatrist right away, you should begin icing the area immediately to help reduce swelling. Once you do visit your doctor, imaging of the area will usually be required to determine the extent of your injury; either a full or partial Achilles rupture. You will likely be fitted with a walking boot or cast to immobilize the area for a partially ruptured Achilles tendon, while a complete rupture will most likely require surgery to repair. Following surgery, if necessary, your repaired foot will be completely immobilized for several weeks, followed again by physical therapy. Our goal is always to avoid surgery if possible. In the case of a complete Achilles rupture, however, there is often no choice.
If you believe you may have suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon, do not hesitate a moment longer. Make an appointment to see us today at the Foot & Ankle Center of Washington for effective treatment and relief. Make sure to mention your suspected condition to our receptionist, so that one of our doctors may see you as soon as possible.
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