Achilles Tendon Injuries Can be Brutal

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One of the most brutal foot injuries you can suffer is a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon. The Achilles connects your heel bone to the three large muscles in your calf. It’s the thickest, strongest tendon in your body. It’s also one of the most robust, constantly working in harmony with your calf muscles and allowing you to stand on your toes as you walk, run, or jump.  

A devastating injury

The force of a sudden movement or unexpected jamming of the foot on a hard surface can tear or even rupture the Achilles tendon. Among professional athletes, this can be a season-ending injury. Just ask Kevin Durant of the California Golden State Warriors who underwent surgery last week to repair his torn Achilles. He won’t be back on the court for months. Over the years, athletes like him have reported that they never quite got back to the level of playing they were used to before the injury. 

Take steps to prevent a torn Achilles

The board-certified podiatrists at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Samantha Boyd, Dr. Hal Ornstein, Dr. Dan Phan, and Dr. Joseph Saka, are well-equipped to treat tears of the Achilles with immobilization boots, pain medications, and physical therapy. A complete rupture often requires surgery.  

An Achilles injury can lay you up for a very long time. You can reduce your risk by

  • always wearing the proper shoes for your sport or activity

  • wearing shoes with excellent support and a sturdy heel counter

  • performing calf-strengthening exercises

  • stretching before and after exercise. 

When you’re the victim of an injury such as a torn Achilles tendon, it can be very painful and also quite terrifying. You’ll find kindness and compassion here at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center from our entire staff. Call (732) 905-1110 for an appointment at our office in Howell or Jackson (Monmouth County), New Jersey. We can usually treat a sports injury immediately. For appointments that are not as urgent, we still welcome your call, but you can also make an appointment online.