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Medical Library Ankle

Choose the body area

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Neck

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Shoulder

Female physical therapist assisting a young patient on a treatment table in a Marathon Physical Therapy room.

Back

Patient receiving laser therapy at Marathon Physical Therapy for pain management.

Elbow

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Wrist

Trainer assisting client on treatment table at Marathon Physical Therapy, with exercise equipment in background.

Hip

Therapist using a laser therapy device on a patient's leg at Marathon Physical Therapy for pain relief and rehabilitation.

Knee

Physical therapist with elderly male patient on treatment table at Marathon Physical Therapy with anatomy posters.

Leg

Physical therapy session at Marathon Physical Therapy, focusing on shoulder rehabilitation exercises for injury recovery.

Ankle

OVERVIEW

Achilles Tendonitis and Rupture

Human leg with surgical incision, featuring tools and drapes, related to ankle physical therapy at Marathon Physical Therapy.

The Achilles tendon connects the Achilles muscle to the heel. Excessive stress or a tight or fatigued calf muscle can result in microtrauma, degeneration, and even inflammation of the tendon- a condition called Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinosis. This condition can be caused by prolonged walking, excessive running, jumping, and walking hills.

Research suggests that Achilles tendinosis, a similar condition, may cause a gradual onset and long recovery. Tendinosis, a chronic degenerative condition, is not like tendonitis. It is characterized by no inflammation and is a chronic condition. Tendinosis is more common than tendinitis, as tendon pain is often not accompanied with the typical inflammatory signs such swelling, redness and warmth.

The treatment usually consists mostly of rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs), ice and stretching.

Ankle therapy session at Marathon Physical Therapy, focusing on Achilles tendonitis recovery and rehabilitation techniques.

The Achilles tendon may be torn (or ruptured) by a forceful contraction of the calves muscle. This is common in athletes who play basketball or baseball. The patient frequently describes feeling like they were hit or kicked in their lower calf. The tendon above the heel is tender and there is pain.

Both surgical repair and non-surgical rehabilitation are options. Surgical repair may be more beneficial for active people. Six to twelve months of care may be required for rehabilitation.

GOALS

Possible Treatment Goals

  • Improve your balance
  • Increase your ability to stand on the leg and bear weight
  • Reduce the chance of reoccurrence
  • Increase your fitness
  • Enhance Function
  • Increase Muscle Strength and Performance
  • Increase oxygen to tissues
  • Enhance Proprioception
  • Reduce postoperative complications
  • Increase range of motion
  • Self-care for Symptoms
  • Improve Wound Healing