The treatment for Achilles tendon rupture can be done with immobilization or surgery, being the most suitable surgery for young people who practice physical activity regularly and who need to return to training as soon as possible.
Immobilization is the treatment of choice for those who do not do physical activity, as it presents less risk and, normally, it is not necessary to recover so quickly.
However, the treatment indicated by the orthopedist can also vary according to the degree of rupture, because when there is a partial rupture, only plaster splints can be made, whereas in complete rupture, surgery is always indicated. But in both cases, it is necessary to undergo physical therapy to recover completely and to walk normally without pain.
Thus, the treatment for rupture of the calcaneus tendon can be done in the following ways:
1. Immobilization
Immobilization is the conservative treatment, being indicated for partial rupture of the Achilles tendon in non-athletes, being done with the use of an orthopedic boot or plastered boot with heels to keep the heel higher and allow the tendon not to stay too long. stretched, facilitating the natural healing of this structure.
This type of treatment generally takes longer than in surgery and during this type of treatment, it is important to avoid any activity such as walking more than 500 meters, climbing stairs, and you should not put your body weight under your foot, although it may put your foot on the floor when sitting.
2. Surgery
Surgery is indicated to treat complete rupture of the Achilles tendon, being performed under general anesthesia. In it the doctor makes a small cut on the skin over the tendon, to place the stitches that join the tendon.
After surgery, it is necessary to keep the leg resting for at least a week, paying special attention to keeping the leg always above the level of the heart to relieve swelling and pain. Laying on the bed and placing a pillow under the leg is a good solution to relieve pain and prevent swelling.
After the surgery, the orthopedist also places a cast or splint to immobilize the foot, preventing movement of the leg muscles. The immobilization lasts about 6 to 8 weeks and during this period it is not recommended to put your foot on the floor and always use 2 crutches to walk.
3. Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy for cases should be started after the indication of the orthopedist and can be done with a plaster cast. The options of physiotherapeutic treatment for Achilles tendon rupture may contain anti-inflammatory features of devices such as ultrasound, laser or other, stimuli to increase local blood circulation, the strengthening of leg muscles and, finally, proprioception.
Some techniques include passive joint mobilization from the knee to the foot, the use of ice, local therapeutic massage therapy, muscle stretches and, when the inflammatory condition decreases, the calf muscles should be strengthened with elastic bands of various resistances..
Ideally, physiotherapeutic treatment should be carried out daily, preferably, alternating with hydrotherapy, that is, physical therapy in the pool, until the physiotherapist discharges the patient. Stopping physical therapy before the physiotherapist discharges can facilitate a further break in the future.
Learn more details of physiotherapy for rupture of the Achilles tendon.
How long does recovery take
After a complete rupture of the Achilles tendon, the average treatment time varies between 6 and 8 months, but in some cases if recovery is delayed or if physiotherapy is not performed 4 to 5 times a week, it may take 1 year for the person returns to his normal activities and the activity that caused the disruption.
How to heal faster
See the tips from nutritionist Tatiana Zanin to know what to eat to improve your healing:
