| The Achilles tendon is an important connection | | | | In order to prevent the shortening of the Achilles |
| between the calf and the heel and once of the | | | | tendon, it is advised to wear proper shoes. It is also |
| strongest in the body. If it ruptures, it can be | | | | very important to stretch after a run or a workout. |
| catastrophic...especially for athletes. On March 14, | | | | Running causes contracture of the tendon and can |
| soccer player David Beckham tore his left Achilles | | | | cause it to tighten. Stretching will help to restore the |
| tendon during a match against Chievo Verona. The | | | | length of the tendon and allow for an easier muscle |
| Achilles tendon has an important function to allow you | | | | recovery. |
| to stand on your toes, a motion that is called | | | | Most Achilles tendon ruptures are partial tears. In fact, |
| plantarflexion. | | | | many are often confused with Achilles tendinitis, an |
| A rupture or tear of the Achilles tendon limits mobility | | | | inflammation of the tendon. My rule of thumb in my |
| as you are not able to push off your toes. This limits | | | | Houston podiatry practice is, if a patient does not |
| and restricts your ability to walk and run. At the site of | | | | respond to a short course of anti-inflammatory |
| rupture you will see signs of swelling, tenderness and | | | | medication, I send them for an MRI to rule out a |
| bruising along where the tendon tore. Injuries to the | | | | rupture. Treating a partial tear aggressively often leads |
| Achilles are usually caused by sudden force or a | | | | to a quick and uneventful recovery. Ignoring it, |
| weakening of the tendon that gives due to a regular | | | | however, can lead it to further weaken and become a |
| force. Many describe a feeling of being kicked in the | | | | complete rupture. |
| back of the leg when the tendon ruptures. | | | | Recovering from a complete Achilles tendon tear is |
| Certain individuals are susceptible to Achilles tendon | | | | very long and frustrating. Surgery to reattach the |
| tears, especially people who wear shoes that | | | | tendon is often necessary. This is followed up by |
| plantarflex their toes such as women wearing high | | | | immobilization and physical therapy. In the case of |
| heels. This constant position of plantarflexion of the | | | | David Beckham, he had surgery the following day to |
| foot causes the Achilles tendon to shorten, causing the | | | | repair his Achilles tendon and is expected to make a |
| tendon to become tighter. When the individual stands in | | | | recovery within the next 5-8 months and is expected |
| a more neutral position, forces will cause the tendon to | | | | to return to the field sometime in September of this |
| either stretch or tear. | | | | year. |