Foot & Ankle

Achilles Tendon Rupture

An Achilles tendon rupture is a significant injury that can impede mobility and quality of life. Dr. Ryan du Sart, an experienced orthopaedic surgeon based in Bunbury and Busselton, specialises in diagnosing and treating Achilles tendon injuries, providing personalised care to patients throughout the South West region of Western Australia.

Causes and Risk Factors

Achilles tendon ruptures typically occur during activities that involve sudden, forceful movements or changes in direction. Key causes include:

• Sports Participation: Activities involving quick starts, stops, or jumps, such as basketball, tennis, and running, can put strain on the Achilles tendon, leading to a rupture.
• Falling or Tripping: Older adults are more prone to falls that result in Achilles tendon injury, particularly if the tendon has weakened over time.
• Sudden Increase in Activity: A rapid increase in physical activity, especially after a period of rest, can stress the tendon and result in a rupture.
• Age: Individuals aged 30-50 are at higher risk of rupture, particularly those who are active in recreational sports.
• Chronic Conditions: Conditions like tendonitis, arthritis, and diabetes can weaken the tendon and increase the likelihood of rupture.
  

Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Rupture

Recognising the signs of an Achilles tendon rupture is important for early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Symptoms typically include:

• Sudden Sharp Pain: Often felt in the back of the ankle or calf, this pain is usually immediate and intense.
• Popping or Snapping Sound: A popping or snapping sensation at the moment of injury, which can be heard or felt by the individual.
• Swelling and Bruising: Swelling around the heel and ankle, along with bruising, may appear immediately or in the hours following the injury.
• Difficulty Walking: Difficulty or inability to bear weight on the injured foot, and trouble standing on the toes.
• Visible Deformity: A gap or bulge may be visible in the tendon area, indicating that the tendon has fully ruptured.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention to prevent further complications.

Diagnosis

Dr. Ryan du Sart uses a thorough clinical assessment combined with imaging tests to accurately diagnose an Achilles tendon rupture:

• Physical Examination: Dr. du Sart will conduct a detailed examination of your ankle, including palpating the Achilles tendon for signs of tenderness, deformity, and swelling.
• Imaging: An X-ray may be used to check for associated bone fractures, while an ultrasound or MRI is typically required to assess the extent of the soft tissue damage to the tendon. An MRI is particularly useful for visualising the complete rupture and any surrounding tissue damage.
  

Treatment Options

Achilles tendon rupture treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the patient’s activity level. Dr. Ryan du Sart offers both non-surgical and surgical treatment options tailored to each patient’s needs.

Non-Surgical Treatment

For partial tears or less active individuals, non-surgical treatment is often effective. Non-surgical options include:

• Immobilisation: The foot and ankle may be placed in a cast or walking boot to keep the Achilles tendon immobilised while healing .
• Rest and Elevation: Resting the foot and elevating it above the heart level helps reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Pain Relief: Over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol or anti-inflammatory drugs may be used to manage pain and inflammation.
• Physical Therapy: Once the initial phase of healing has occurred, physical therapy is essential to restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the ankle.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery is typically recommended for complete ruptures or for active individuals who want to return to sports or high-level activities. Dr. du Sart performs Achilles tendon repair using advanced surgical techniques, including:

• Open Repair: The tendon is repaired by making a small incision and directly suturing the torn ends of the tendon together .
• Minimally Invasive Surgery: In some cases, minimally invasive techniques may be used, which involve smaller incisions and reduced tissue damage.
• Tendon Reconstruction: In severe cases where the tendon is significantly damaged or retracted, tendon reconstruction using grafts from other tendons may be necessary.
  

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery time following an Achilles tendon rupture depends on the severity of the injury and the chosen treatment method. The typical recovery timeline includes:

• Immobilisation Phase: After surgery or in non-surgical cases, the foot is immobilised in a cast or boot for 6–8 weeks. During this time, the tendon begins to heal, and weight-bearing is avoided.
• Physical Therapy: Once the tendon is sufficiently healed, Dr. du Sart will guide you through a rehabilitation program, which may include strengthening exercises, range-of-motion activities, and balance training. These exercises are vital for restoring mobility and preventing stiffness in the ankle.
• Gradual Return to Activity: After the rehabilitation phase, patients are gradually allowed to return to their regular activities. High-impact sports or strenuous exercise should be avoided until the tendon is fully healed.

Most patients can return to light activity within 3–6 months, but athletes or individuals involved in high-level sports may require more time for full recovery.

Preventing Achilles Tendon Ruptures

To reduce the risk of Achilles tendon injuries, Dr. du Sart recommends the following prevention strategies:

• Gradual Increase in Activity: Avoid sudden increases in physical activity. Gradually building up strength and endurance can help prevent tendon overload.
• Footwear: Proper footwear that provides support and cushioning, especially for high-impact sports, is essential to reducing strain on the Achilles tendon.
• Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the calf muscles and Achilles tendon with targeted exercises can improve tendon resilience and reduce the risk of injury.
• Warm-Up and Stretching: Warming up before physical activity and incorporating calf stretches can improve tendon flexibility and prevent injury.

Why Choose Dr. Ryan du Sart?

Dr. Ryan du Sart is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating Achilles tendon ruptures. He offers personalised, evidence-based care tailored to each patient’s needs, ensuring the best possible outcome. Whether you require non-surgical management or surgical intervention, Dr. du Sart’s approach focuses on restoring function and promoting long-term recovery.

Book a Consultation

If you suspect an Achilles tendon rupture or are experiencing persistent ankle pain, don’t delay in seeking treatment. Early diagnosis and intervention are key to a successful recovery and return to an active lifestyle.

Phone: (08) 9779 9767

Email: admin@ryandusart.com.au

Locations:

6 Higgins Street, South Bunbury, WA 6230

20 Prince Street, Busselton, WA 6280

References:

1. Mayo Clinic. (2021). Achilles tendon rupture.https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/achilles-tendon-rupture
2. Cleveland Clinic. (2020). Achilles tendon injury.https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/13350-achilles-tendon-injury
3. Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS). (2019). Management of Achilles tendon injuries.https://www.ors.org
4. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). (2021). Achilles tendon ruptures.https://www.aaos.org