Achilles Tendon Strain Definition:
As the name suggests an Achilles tendon strain is just that a strain to the Achilles tendon. Now as with all strains there a 3 different levels or grades that describe the severity of the strain. Please see the strain section for more information on these levels and what a strain is.
Achilles Tendon Strain
Achilles Tendon Strain Affected Body Parts:
- Achilles tendon
- Calcaneus bone
- Gastrocnemius muscle that inserts into the Achilles tendon
- Soft tissues surrounding the injury site such as ligaments, nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissues
Achilles Tendon Strain Signs & Symptoms:
- Pain felt with plantar flexion or dorsi flexion
- Muscle spasms in Gastrocnemius muscle
- pain or tenderness felt when the Achilles tendon is palpated
- signs of inflammation such as heat and redness over the Achilles tendon
- loss of strength in the lower leg
- abnormal Thompson test (foot does not plantar flex when calf muscle is squeezed)
Achilles Tendon Strain Risk Factors:
- Excessive overuse of the Gastrocnemius muscle or Achilles tendon
- sudden excessive overstretching of the Gastrocnemius muscle and the Achilles tendon. commonly seen in high impact sports or running and jumping sports
- medical conditions that decrease circulation to the Achilles tendon, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases
- obesity
- bad nutrition
- previous injury to the Achilles tendon
- weak muscles
Achilles Tendon Strain Treatment:
Treatment for an achilles tendon strain is usually the R.I.C.E principles applied during the acute phase. in the chronic phase the treatment is much more complicated and should be done by a health care professional.
The use of an ankle brace is often used to help prevent and speed recovery.
Achilles Tendon Strain Prevention:
- Stretch the Achilles tendon before physical activity or sport
- Proper warm up
- wrap or tape Achilles tendon if have history of Achilles tendon injuries
- wear proper foot wear for the sport or activity you are doing
- Perform strength training exercises to build up muscles of the lower leg
- perform flexibility exercises to help increase flexibility in lower leg
Achilles Tendon Strain Recovery Time:
The recovery time of an achilles tendon strain is usually 4 to 6 weeks if is a grade 1 strain. if it is a more severe tendon strain such as grade 2 or a complete rupture (grade 3) then the recovery time will be significantly longer such as years!
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