Achilles Tendon Rupture

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Achilles tendon Rupture
The Achilles tendon is the commonest tendon that succumbs to injuries. The rapture of this tendon occurs as a result of exposure to activities that require volatile acceleration for example jumping, pushing and running, pivoting and jumping. Research indicates that the males have a high prevalence rate of suffering from Achilles tendon injury as compared to their female counterparts. The anatomy of this tendon is such that it is the strongest and thickest tendon of the body that connects the gastrocnemius and soleus to the calcaneus. The length of this tendon is approximately 15 centimeters long originating in the central portion of the calf. Blood supply is received from the musculotendinous junction. This essay identifies the pre and post operative management of Achilles tendon rapture and treatment of Achilles tendon rupture from physiotherapy point of view.
Achilles tendon rapture is caused by a variety of factors. The tendon tends to grow thin and weak with age and as age progresses, the tendon becomes prone to injury and rapture. In addition, certain illnesses such as arthritis and diabetes and medication such as some forms of antibiotics and corticosteroids are predisposing factors of the injury (Koulouris, 2007, P. 922). Most athletes and sportsmen suffer from Achilles tendon rapture as a result of jumping, pivoting and running. In most instances, injury of the tendon occurs as a result of forceful push-offs on the foot while the knee is kept straight by the muscles on the thigh. In addition, a sudden trip or stumble and the thrust of the feet forward to prevent the fall could also result into injury. Another widespread cause of injury of the Achilles tendon is falling from great heights. Participation in new exercises and change in exercise routines can also lead to the rapture of Achilles tendons. The major symptoms of Achilles tendon rapture include swelling in the lower leg and inability to support body weight on the ankle. When the injury occurs, a tearing sound is heard and the individual begins to limb and is unable to walk well.
Preoperative management of Achilles tendon rapture
The treatment of Achilles tendons rapture can be carried out through various means. The aim of administering treatment is to restore the tension to its normal functioning. The treatment option s available are either surgical or non surgical with surgical treatment requiring both preoperative and post operative management (Whalen et al, 2008, P.630). The benefit of surgical treatment is that re-rapture incidences are lower. For active young people, surgery is the most recommended treatment approach to prevent successive injury. There are two types of surgery that may be administered for Achilles tendon rapture. Open surgery involves the incision of a one long cut to reach the tendon to repair it whereas percutaneous surgery involves the use of several small cuts to reach the tendon...