Torn or damaged tendons are more common than you might think in the ankles and feet. This is because there are a lot of them in the ankles and feet and there is a lot of frequent use of that area of the body. Your feet and ankles are used for stability, balance, and locomotion. Walking, running, jumping, and standing can put a lot of pressure and wear on the ankles and feet. It is also very easy to slip or misstep causing injury.

Torn or ruptured tendons can be extremely painful and should be treated right away. Tendons in the feet and ankles are often injured during sports, physical exercise, and can also be lacerated in other accidents as well. Injuries of the tendons affect mobility and the use of joints.

‍

Symptoms 

With the onset of pain from a ruptured or torn tendon, it can be difficult to know exactly what has happened. Here is a list of symptoms that can help you to determine whether or not you have injured a tendon:

• A snap or a pop that is audible or felt
• Immediate, sharp, pain
• Rapid or immediate swelling and bruising
• Inability to utilize the affected area
• The inability of the affected area to support any weight
• Visible deformity

‍

Tendon Repair Surgery

In most cases of tendon rupture or tear, it is necessary to surgically repair the damaged tendon. The surgery will begin with small incisions to expose either end of the tendon or the damaged area. After this, the damaged area will be sewn back together. After sewing the tendon together and checking the surrounding areas for other injuries, the incision(s) will be closed and the wound bandaged in a sterile material. Lastly, it will be critical that the area is immobilized with a splint or cast so that it can heal with proper placement. If there is not enough undamaged tendon to be sewn back together, your doctor may opt to do a tendon graft.

‍

Recovery

The recovery time for a repaired tendon is usually about twelve weeks. The surgery is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning that you will be able to return home on the same day or shortly thereafter. Proper aftercare is important so that your tendon can heal in the proper position and without complication.

Physical therapy is often prescribed after the reparative surgery so that you can get your body ‘back up to speed’ and promote the growth and acclimation of your repaired tendon. You should also keep in mind that you may need to have scar tissue dealt with occasionally for a short period after the surgery so that it does not grow in such a way as to impede your mobility.

‍

Be Realistic

It is important that you seek medical attention as soon as possible if you feel that you have torn or ruptured a tendon. If you do not, healing is extremely slow. It is also likely that, without proper attention, it will heal incorrectly and greatly reduce mobility or even cause infections or deformities to occur. Tendon rupture is serious and unattended ruptured tendons can lead to long-term damage. Tendon repair is actually a simple procedure that will keep your foot or ankle working properly for years to come.

Be sure that you address tendon injuries as quickly as possible and that you follow all of the proper aftercare procedures. Any injury of the foot and/or ankle can affect other parts of your body. This is because your feet are so integral to so many daily activities. After all, your feet balance, move and support you.

Find the best treatment for tendon rupture at Diablo Foot and Ankle. Call today to schedule an appointment with our medical specialists. We are here to help!
Meta Description: Torn or damaged tendons are common injuries on ankles and feet. Here we talk about symptoms, surgery treatment, and the recovery process for tendon ruptures.