What is the Achilles Tendon ? The Achilles Tendon is a tendon that joins leg muscles to the heel bone, this is what allows our walking and running movements. An injury of this tendon is common for a few reasons. It could be overuse, such as athletes that run or walk frequently always pushing their bodies to perform .It could be as a result of very tight calf muscles or even ill fitting shoes that are worn while exercising. Because most of us at some stage walk ,run, jump,dance or skip, our Achilles Tendons can be put under a lot of stress , and professional athletes etc are at greater risk of having an injury occur through constant use. What is an Achilles Tendon Injury ? Any inflammation of the Achilles Tendon is known as tendonitis ( or tendinopathy ie ; inflammation and a micro tear ). This inflammation if not treated may result in a tendon rupture, however some ruptures can occur without any sign of inflammation and very suddenly. It is not unusual to actually hear an achilles tendon rupture with a loud snapping sound accompanied by pain . An achilles tendon rupture can happen for a few different reasons * Pushing off with your foot while your knee is straightened for example when jumping or starting in a running race. * Falling over where you over stretch the tendon whilst breaking your fall with your foot. * Landing on your foot, if falling from a height, your foot may twist when you land. Treatment of an Achilles Tendon rupture Any rupture or injury of any kind of the Achilles Tendon will need proper examination by an accredited practitioner. Surgery may or may not be needed depending on the extent of the injury. When a rupture occurs it is very important to ; * keep off the foot, and elevate it as much as possible * Ice the foot at 20 minute intervals * seek out medical attention Once you have been diagnosed either for surgical or non-surgical intervention you will most definitely need rehabilitation, strengthening and even help with physical support of the injured tendon such as a special boot or strapping. Holistic Physio Fitness are well equipped to help in all these areas . Do not hesitate to contact us for an appointment , information and assistance at any time if you suffer from the above injury . Holistic Physio Fitness have 3 qualified Physiotherapists and an Exercise Physiologist with many years of experience our contact numbers are ( 02 ) 9999-6666 or email address [email protected].