Torn Tendon: Causes | Symptoms | Treatment

What is a torn or ruptured tendon?

A tendon joins your muscle to bone in your body and is a fibrous tissue. In general, the forces involved in your tendon may be more than 5 times your body weight. In some few situations, tendons can snap or tear.

Sometimes, situations that cause a tendon tear more likely involve some infections and the injection of steroids into a tendon.

Although this problem moderately uncommon, in fact, if your tendon is torn this can lead to a serious problem and also may end in excruciating pain and as well as a permanent disability if goes untreated.

In general, there are unique signs and symptoms of each type of torn tendon and also, it can be treated both surgically or medically. This will depend on the severity of the patient’s rupture and as well as the confidence of the surgeon.

Here we can mention the 4 most common areas of tendon tear:

Quadriceps

Achilles

Rotator cuff

Biceps

Torn Ligament

A torn ligament is the result of a severe sprain. In your body ligaments in the ankle functions to hold the ankle bones and joint in place, while providing stabilization and as well as support. Rupturing is the result of a complete tear of ligaments separate from the bone, which impairs proper joint function.

What are the causes of ankle sprains?

Generally, sprains occur commonly by injuries caused in sports activities and as well as physical fitness activities. We can count these activities like walking, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and other sports involves jumping. In addition, some contact sports like football, hockey and also boxing tend to put athletes at risk for an ankle injury.

When the foot stretches beyond its normal motions like falls, twists, or rolls it results in ankle sprains. Also, sprains can also occur due to running on uneven surfaces or stepping down at an angle.

How ankle sprains are treated?

Note that there may be a need for surgery or immobilization when treating a sharp sprain with a torn ligament are treated. Generally, most ankle sprains will require a time of protection to recover that normally takes about four to six weeks. During the recovery period, patients use a cast or a cast brace which protects and supports the ankle. In addition, rehabilitation significantly helps to reduce pain and inflammation which eventually prevents chronic ankle problems.

What are the main causes of torn tendon?

Tendon tear occurs in middle-aged or older people. In young individuals, however, muscle usually tears prior to the attached tendon does. Nevertheless, in aged individuals and in people with certain illnesses tendon tear is more general. Main reasons for tendon tear involves the following:

Experiencing a direct trauma

Getting older. As you get older, your blood supply gradually reduces. This, in turn, causes a decrease in blood going to the tendon, which ends up the tendon gets weaken.

Tear due to eccentric loading.

When you contract your muscle while you are stretching it in the opposite direction, you place increased stress on the involved tendon.

Intake of certain antibiotics.

Please note that certain antibiotics like fluoroquinolones tend to grow the risk for tendon tear. This is especially true for the Achilles tendon.

You may also experience quadriceps tendon which may be caused by having a direct trauma to your knee just above the patella (kneecap).

If you experience Achilles tendon rupture this may be caused by your advanced age which results in low blood supply to the inside of the tendon.

In addition, Achilles torn tendon can also be caused if you are involved in strenuous physical activity without being well-conditioned.  Another cause may be a result of the unexpected force of the sole of your foot upward as in landing on your feet after jumping from a height.

If you are experienced with a rotator cuff tendon rupture may be either caused by lifting a heavy object overhead and also lifting 150 pounds or more weight (traumatic rupture).

What are the main symptoms of torn tendon?

If you have experienced with an injury that is involved with the following indications or symptoms then you may have a tendon rupture:

1. A snap or pop you hear or feel

2. Severe pain

3. Rapid or immediate bruising

4. Failure to move the area which is torn involved

5. Inability to bear lifting the weight

6. The deformity is seen in involved the area

Symptoms linked to certain injuries include the following:

If you have an Achilles tendon rupture then, you will probably be unable to support yourself on your tiptoes on the injured leg

If you have a rotator cuff rupture, then you will not be able to bring your arm out to the side.

And, when you experience torn biceps tendon, then you will feel reduced strength of elbow flexion and weakened capacity to lift your arm out to the side when your hand is turned palm up.

What is the torn tendon treatment?

In general, recovery or treatment of torn tendon in the foot will depend on how serious the injury is and your overall health, however, the treatment may include some of the following methods to implement:

Take a rest or a break from any activities that which puts any pressure on the directly injured tendon.

Application of ice packs may help to decrease pain and as well as swelling. Ice the tear right after it happens, and then 3 or 4 times during the day while it is healing. Please note that you should not put ice directly on your skin. 

Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID). NSAIDs like ibuprofen can decrease pain and swelling following you experience the condition. Consult your physician regarding the relevant dose for your injury and how long you should need to intake them.

In addition, your doctor may also advise you to use a brace, cast, or boot in order to support your foot while keeping it still as it recovers.

Utilizing an orthotics which is simply an insert that goes in your shoes to support your foot and assist you to use foot the right way. In some cases, when you experience the tendon injury, it can cause changes in the shape of your foot, which requires you to have special support.

Applying exercise and physical therapy. Exercises and as well as physical therapy exercises which helps to stretch and strengthen your muscles and tendons can help you to get recover. A physical therapist will explain to you the right way to perform these physical exercises and lead you as you perform them as you first start your .

You can consult your physical therapist today in order to get free consulting regarding your situation. 

Please note that in case your tendon is torn or your pain and swelling persists, then you may have surgery in order to repair or replace a tendon.