Torn Calf Muscle
The causes of Achilles tendon injuries
The problems with Achilles tendon are mainly caused by overuse. It may happen during exercising, at work or other activities.
Achilles tendon injury may happen if you start exercising in the period when you are out of shape, or you do not warm-up before work-out.
Uncomfortable shoes that hurt also may lead to torn calf. Very often torn calf occurs in the result of abrupt movements, when too much load is passed on them. It is common in sportsmen while they run or jump. Another risk group that often get tendon injuries are people of middle age. Such types of injuries may also happen during playing basketball, tennis, etc. Very often Achilles tendon is torn when sprained, in the result of inflammation or some other reasons.
Symptoms of Achilles tendon injury
The symptoms and the signs of Achilles tendon are severe calf pain, swelling or inflammation of the tendon and the region around it. At rest you may not feel any pain, it usually appears in motion. A sharp and sudden pain could be felt at the moment of tendon injury. Very often patients with tendon injury are unable to remain on feet and need hospitalization.
Only a healthcare professional may tell you whether your injury is serious. First, your doctor may ask you to describe the pain so that he could determine the seriousness of your condition. If the symptoms do not improve and even get worse, you may have your ankle x-rayed for a more exact diagnose.
The treatment of Achilles tendon injury
The treatment of Achilles tendon injury may include medical therapy and some stretching exercises. You may also need to wear special shoes that do not create excessive pressure on your tendon. The sooner you start the treatment the more chances you will have to avoid further complications of the injury. The treatment of even an insignificant tendon injury may take a considerable period of time before the tendon is rehabilitated and the patient is able to walk and exercise again. In severe cases (torn tendon) a surgery and immobilization may be required. Special exercises which are included in the treatment course can help to accelerate the recovery process and make your leg stronger. The treatment may take from several weeks to a month.