What are the symptoms of a ruptured tendon in the foot? What causes a ruptured tendon? How is a ruptured tendon treated?

Understanding Ruptured Tendons

A tendon is the fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone in the human body. These structures are responsible for transmitting the forces generated by muscles to the bones, enabling movement. In some rare instances, tendons can snap or rupture, leading to serious problems that require prompt medical attention.

Common Areas of Tendon Rupture

The four most common areas of tendon rupture include:

1. Quadriceps: A group of four muscles that come together above the kneecap (patella) to form the patellar tendon, used for extending the leg at the knee and aiding in walking, running, and jumping.
2. Achilles: Located on the back portion of the foot just above the heel, where the calf muscle attaches to the heel (calcaneus) bone. This tendon is vital for pushing off with the foot and standing on tiptoes.
3. Rotator Cuff: A group of four muscles in the shoulder that function together to raise the arm, rotate the arm, and keep the shoulder in its socket. Rotator cuff tendon injuries are one of the most common tendon problems.
4. Biceps: The biceps muscle in the arm functions as a flexor of the elbow, bringing the hand toward the shoulder. Ruptures can occur at the proximal (close) or distal (far) end of the tendon.

Causes of Tendon Ruptures

Tendon ruptures are more common in middle-aged or older individuals, as the tendons become less flexible and more prone to injury over time. Certain medical conditions can also increase the risk of tendon rupture, including:

• Injection of steroids into the tendon
• Diseases like gout or hyperparathyroidism
• Having type O blood

In younger individuals, muscle tears are more common than tendon ruptures, as the muscle tissue is generally more resilient than the tendon.

Symptoms of Tendon Ruptures

The symptoms of a tendon rupture can vary depending on the location, but typically include:

• A snap or pop sound or sensation
• Severe pain
• Rapid or immediate bruising
• Marked weakness
• Inability to use the affected arm or leg
• Inability to move the affected area
• Inability to bear weight
• Deformity of the affected area

Specific symptoms for different tendon ruptures include:

• Achilles tendon rupture: Inability to support oneself on the tiptoes of the affected leg (though the ability to flex the toes may remain)
• Rotator cuff rupture: Inability to raise the arm out to the side
• Biceps tendon rupture: Decreased strength of elbow flexion and decreased ability to raise the arm out to the side with the palm facing up

Seeking Medical Attention

If you experience any of the symptoms associated with a tendon rupture, such as a snap or pop, severe pain, rapid bruising, or an inability to use the affected limb, it is important to seek medical attention promptly. Call your doctor or visit the emergency department, as a tendon rupture can be a serious injury that requires timely treatment to prevent permanent disability.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Tendon ruptures are typically diagnosed through a physical examination, and imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans may be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the injury. Treatment options can vary depending on the location and extent of the rupture, but may include:

• Surgical repair to reattach the tendon to the bone
• Immobilization and physical therapy to allow the tendon to heal
• In some cases, non-surgical management with bracing or splinting

The specific treatment plan will depend on the individual patient’s condition and the recommendations of their healthcare provider.

Conclusion

Ruptured tendons are a serious injury that can lead to significant pain, weakness, and disability if left untreated. By understanding the common symptoms and causes of tendon ruptures, as well as the importance of seeking prompt medical attention, individuals can take steps to protect their mobility and long-term health.

Ruptured Tendon: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

In this Article

• Ruptured Tendon Overview
• Ruptured Tendon Causes
• Ruptured Tendon Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Ruptured Tendon Treatment
• Next Steps
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords

A tendon is the fibrous tissue that attaches muscle to bone in the human body. The forces applied to a tendon may be more than 5 times your body weight. In some rare instances, tendons can snap or rupture. Conditions that make a rupture more likely include the injection of steroids into a tendon, certain diseases (such as gout or hyperparathyroidism), and having type O blood.

Although fairly uncommon, a tendon rupture can be a serious problem and may result in excruciating pain and permanent disability if untreated. Each type of tendon rupture has its own signs and symptoms and can be treated either surgically or medically depending on the severity of the rupture and the confidence of the surgeon.

The 4 most common areas of tendon rupture include:

• Quadriceps
  • A group of 4 muscles that come together just above your kneecap (patella) to form the patellar tendon.
  • Often called the quads, this group of muscles is used to extend the leg at the knee and aids in walking, running, and jumping.
• Achilles
  • This tendon is located on the back portion of the foot just above the heel. It is the site where the calf muscle attaches to the heel of the foot (the calcaneus bone).
  • This tendon is vital for pushing off with the foot. The Achilles helps you stand on your tiptoes and push off when starting a foot race.
• Rotator cuff
  • Your rotator cuff is located in the shoulder and is actually composed of 4 muscles that function together to raise your arm out to the side, to help you rotate the arm, and to keep your shoulder from popping out of its socket.
  • The rotator cuff tendon is one of the most common areas in the body affected by tendon injury. Some studies of people after death have shown that 8% to 20% have rotator cuff tears.
• Biceps
  • The biceps muscle of the arm functions as a flexor of the elbow. This muscle brings the hand toward the shoulder by bending at the elbow.
  • Ruptures of the biceps are classified as proximal (close) or distal (far). Distal ruptures are extremely rare. The proximal rupture occurs where the biceps attaches at the top of your shoulder.

In general, tendon rupture occurs in a middle-aged or older man. In the young, muscle usually tears before the attached tendon does. But in older people and in those with certain diseases (such as gout and hyperparathyroidism) tendon ruptures are more common.

An injury that is associated with the following signs or symptoms may be a tendon rupture:

• A snap or pop you hear or feel
• Severe pain
• Rapid or immediate bruising
• Marked weakness
• Inability to use the affected arm or leg
• Inability to move the area involved
• Inability to bear weight
• Deformity of the area

Symptoms associated with specific injuries include the following:

• Achilles tendon rupture: You will be unable to support yourself on your tiptoes on the affected leg (you may be able to flex your toes downward because supporting muscles are intact).
• Rotator cuff rupture: You will be unable to bring your arm out to the side.
• Biceps tendon rupture: You will have decreased strength of elbow flexion and decreased ability to raise the arm out to the side when the hand is turned palm up.

Call a doctor if you hear or feel a snap or pop, have severe pain, rapid or immediate bruising after an accident, and are unable to use the affected arm or leg. You may have a tendon rupture.

Visit the hospital’s emergency department whenever an injury occurs that produces severe pain and is accompanied by a pop or snap. Weakness, inability to move the area involved, inability to bear weight, and deformity of the area are other key symptoms that require a visit to the emergency department.

Because you know your body the best, if something appears to be serious to you, it is usually the best course to be conservative and have an evaluation.

Tendon rupture is usually diagnosed using a physical examination. Any imaging is done to confirm the diagnosis and decide the severity of the rupture

Quadriceps

• X-rays often show that your patella (kneecap) is lower than its normal position on a side view of the knee.
• Using an MRI, your doctor can tell whether your rupture is partial or complete.

Achilles tendon

• Your doctor may do a Thompson test. In this test, your doctor will have you kneel on a chair and dangle your foot over the edge. The doctor will then squeeze your calf in a particular place. If the toes on your foot don’t point downward when the doctor squeezes, then you probably have a ruptured Achilles tendon.
• In a test called the blood pressure cuff test, your doctor will place a blood pressure cuff on your calf. The cuff is then inflated to 100 mm Hg. The doctor will then move your foot into a toes-up position. If your tendon is intact, it will cause the pressure to rise to about 140 mm Hg. If you have a tendon rupture, the pressure will increase only a small amount.
• You may be able to flex your foot downward because your supporting muscles are intact. You will be unable to support yourself on your tiptoes on the affected side however.
• X-rays taken from the side may show darkening of the triangular fatty tissue-filled space in front of the Achilles tendon or a thickening of the tendon.
• MRI or ultrasound may be used to decide how severe your rupture is, although these tests are usually not needed to make the diagnosis.

Rotator cuff

• You will be unable to initiate bringing your arm out to the side.
• Your doctor may do a drop arm test. In this test, your arm is passively raised to 90°, and you are asked to hold your arm at this position. If you have rotator cuff rupture, slight pressure on the forearm will cause you to suddenly drop the arm.
• X-rays may show that the long bone in your upper arm (the humerus) is slightly out of place.
• Shoulder arthrography is most helpful in identifying a suspected rotator cuff tear. In this test, a dye that shows up on X-rays is injected directly into the shoulder joint, and the joint is then moved around. Then an X-ray of the shoulder is taken. If any dye is seen leaking from the joint, then it is highly likely that you have a ruptured rotator cuff.
• MRI provides a noninvasive means of assessing the integrity of the rotator cuff although it is more costly and not as specific as arthrography.

Biceps

• X-rays may show that your upper arm bone is out of place or that the place where the muscle attaches has changed.
• If your biceps tendon is completely ruptured, the biceps retracts toward the elbow causing a swelling just above the crease in your arm. This is called the Popeye deformity.
• You will experience decreased strength of elbow flexion and arm supination (moving the hand palm up).
• You will have decreased ability to raise the arm out to the side when the hand is turned palm up.

Self-Care at Home

For all ruptured tendons, regardless of the site, follow the standard RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) home therapy procedure as you seek medical attention. RICE involves:

• Resting the affected extremity
• Applying ice to the affected area
  • Apply ice in a plastic bag wrapped in a towel or with a reusable cold pack wrapped in a towel.
  • Applying ice directly to skin may lead to further damage if left on for a prolonged period of time.
• Compression of the affected area to minimize swelling
  • Apply compression by loosely wrapping the affected area with an ACE bandage.
  • Be sure that the bandage does not cut off blood flow to the area in question.
• Elevation of the extremity if possible
  • Try to keep the area above the level of your heart to minimize swelling.
  • It is recommended that the quadriceps rupture should be immobilized in an extended (straight knee) position and that biceps rupture should be immobilized in a sling with the elbow bent at 90°.

Medical Treatment

• Quadriceps
  • Partial tears may be treated without surgery by placing your straight leg in a cast or immobilizer for 4-6 weeks.
  • Once you are able to raise the affected leg without discomfort for 10 days, it is safe to slowly stop the immobilization.
• Achilles tendon
  • Treatment without surgery involves immobilizing your foot so that the sole of the foot is pointed downward for 4-8 weeks.
  • This treatment has been advocated by some because it gives similar results to surgery in motion and strength. The problem with this treatment is that it has a rerupture rate of up to 30%. Nevertheless, it may still be a reasonable option for those who are at increased operative risk because of age. medical problems. or inactivity.
• Rotator cuff
  • The rotator cuff is unique because treatment without surgery is the treatment of choice in most tendon injuries. More than 90% of tendon injuries are long term in nature, and 33-90% of these chronic rupture symptoms go away without surgery.
  • In contrast, acute rupture, as occurs with trauma, may or may not be repaired surgically depending on the severity of the tear.
  • If the tear is either less than 50% of the cuff thickness or less than 1 cm in size, the dead tissue is removed arthroscopically. A small incision is made and a tool called an arthroscope is passed into the joint. Through it, the surgeon can see and remove dead tissue without actually cutting the joint open. The shoulder is then left to heal.
• Biceps
  • Most surgeons prefer not to operate on a ruptured biceps tendon because function is not severely impaired with its rupture.
  • Studies suggest that after biceps rupture, only a small fraction of elbow flexion is lost and approximately 10%-20% strength reduction in supination (ability to turn the hand palm up). This is considered to be a moderate loss and not worth the risk of surgery in middle-aged and older people.

Surgery

• Quadriceps
  • Unless the doctor is sure that the injury is a partial tear, surgery will be done to repair the tendon.
  • After your operation, you will be placed in a cast or immobilizer as if you had a partial tear.
  • With physical therapy, your injured leg should be up to speed with your noninjured leg in 6 months.
• Achilles tendon
  • Surgery to repair your Achilles tendon is recommended for active people who desire near normal strength and power in plantarflexion. An additional advantage with surgical correction is a lower rerupture rate of the tendon.
  • After your operation, your foot will be immobilized with your toes pointing downward for 3-4 weeks and then progressively brought into neutral position over 2-3 weeks before weight-bearing is started. Surgery carries with it a higher risk of infection than closed treatment.
• Rotator cuff
  • Many surgeons will not attempt surgical repair until nonoperative treatment has failed, even in cases of larger tears.
  • Surgical treatment is usually reserved for a severe tear in a young person or in an older person (aged 60-70 years) who is suddenly unable to externally rotate their arm.
  • Acromioplasty, removal of the coracoacromial ligament and repair of the rotator cuff tendon, usually results in near full rotator cuff strength.
• Biceps
  • In young people unwilling to accept the loss of function and mild deformity involved with this injury, surgery is performed to repair the tendon.
  • Surgery is also considered for the middle-aged person who requires full supination strength in their line of work.
  • You should leave your arm in a sling for a few days after surgery and then begin to use the affected arm as tolerated. After surgery, your elbow flexion and arm supination is near normal in about 12 weeks.

Prevention

To prevent future tears, avoid the cause of the ruptured tendon or treat the problem that led to the tear.

The prognosis for both surgery and nonsurgical treatment varies with the location and severity of the rupture.

Surgical repair, in concert with additional physical therapy, can result in return to normal strength. Nonoperative repair has also shown promise in tendon ruptures.

Nonoperative treatment is most effective in partial tendon ruptures. The drawback of nonoperative treatment is that strength is not as reliably returned to baseline with this type of treatment. The benefits include a decreased risk of infection and generally shorter recovery time.

patellar tendon rupture, Achilles tendon rupture, rotator cuff rupture, biceps tendon rupture, ruptured tendon
 

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Ruptured Tendon: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

In this Article

• Ruptured Tendon Overview
• Ruptured Tendon Causes
• Ruptured Tendon Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Ruptured Tendon Treatment
• Next Steps
• Outlook
• Synonyms and Keywords

A tendon is the fibrous tissue that attaches muscle to bone in the human body. The forces applied to a tendon may be more than 5 times your body weight. In some rare instances, tendons can snap or rupture. Conditions that make a rupture more likely include the injection of steroids into a tendon, certain diseases (such as gout or hyperparathyroidism), and having type O blood.

Although fairly uncommon, a tendon rupture can be a serious problem and may result in excruciating pain and permanent disability if untreated. Each type of tendon rupture has its own signs and symptoms and can be treated either surgically or medically depending on the severity of the rupture and the confidence of the surgeon.

The 4 most common areas of tendon rupture include:

• Quadriceps
  • A group of 4 muscles that come together just above your kneecap (patella) to form the patellar tendon.
  • Often called the quads, this group of muscles is used to extend the leg at the knee and aids in walking, running, and jumping.
• Achilles
  • This tendon is located on the back portion of the foot just above the heel. It is the site where the calf muscle attaches to the heel of the foot (the calcaneus bone).
  • This tendon is vital for pushing off with the foot. The Achilles helps you stand on your tiptoes and push off when starting a foot race.
• Rotator cuff
  • Your rotator cuff is located in the shoulder and is actually composed of 4 muscles that function together to raise your arm out to the side, to help you rotate the arm, and to keep your shoulder from popping out of its socket.
  • The rotator cuff tendon is one of the most common areas in the body affected by tendon injury. Some studies of people after death have shown that 8% to 20% have rotator cuff tears.
• Biceps
  • The biceps muscle of the arm functions as a flexor of the elbow. This muscle brings the hand toward the shoulder by bending at the elbow.
  • Ruptures of the biceps are classified as proximal (close) or distal (far). Distal ruptures are extremely rare. The proximal rupture occurs where the biceps attaches at the top of your shoulder.

In general, tendon rupture occurs in a middle-aged or older man. In the young, muscle usually tears before the attached tendon does. But in older people and in those with certain diseases (such as gout and hyperparathyroidism) tendon ruptures are more common.

An injury that is associated with the following signs or symptoms may be a tendon rupture:

• A snap or pop you hear or feel
• Severe pain
• Rapid or immediate bruising
• Marked weakness
• Inability to use the affected arm or leg
• Inability to move the area involved
• Inability to bear weight
• Deformity of the area

Symptoms associated with specific injuries include the following:

• Achilles tendon rupture: You will be unable to support yourself on your tiptoes on the affected leg (you may be able to flex your toes downward because supporting muscles are intact).
• Rotator cuff rupture: You will be unable to bring your arm out to the side.
• Biceps tendon rupture: You will have decreased strength of elbow flexion and decreased ability to raise the arm out to the side when the hand is turned palm up.

Call a doctor if you hear or feel a snap or pop, have severe pain, rapid or immediate bruising after an accident, and are unable to use the affected arm or leg. You may have a tendon rupture.

Visit the hospital’s emergency department whenever an injury occurs that produces severe pain and is accompanied by a pop or snap. Weakness, inability to move the area involved, inability to bear weight, and deformity of the area are other key symptoms that require a visit to the emergency department.

Because you know your body the best, if something appears to be serious to you, it is usually the best course to be conservative and have an evaluation.

Tendon rupture is usually diagnosed using a physical examination. Any imaging is done to confirm the diagnosis and decide the severity of the rupture

Quadriceps

• X-rays often show that your patella (kneecap) is lower than its normal position on a side view of the knee.
• Using an MRI, your doctor can tell whether your rupture is partial or complete.

Achilles tendon

• Your doctor may do a Thompson test. In this test, your doctor will have you kneel on a chair and dangle your foot over the edge. The doctor will then squeeze your calf in a particular place. If the toes on your foot don’t point downward when the doctor squeezes, then you probably have a ruptured Achilles tendon.
• In a test called the blood pressure cuff test, your doctor will place a blood pressure cuff on your calf. The cuff is then inflated to 100 mm Hg. The doctor will then move your foot into a toes-up position. If your tendon is intact, it will cause the pressure to rise to about 140 mm Hg. If you have a tendon rupture, the pressure will increase only a small amount.
• You may be able to flex your foot downward because your supporting muscles are intact. You will be unable to support yourself on your tiptoes on the affected side however.
• X-rays taken from the side may show darkening of the triangular fatty tissue-filled space in front of the Achilles tendon or a thickening of the tendon.
• MRI or ultrasound may be used to decide how severe your rupture is, although these tests are usually not needed to make the diagnosis.

Rotator cuff

• You will be unable to initiate bringing your arm out to the side.
• Your doctor may do a drop arm test. In this test, your arm is passively raised to 90°, and you are asked to hold your arm at this position. If you have rotator cuff rupture, slight pressure on the forearm will cause you to suddenly drop the arm.
• X-rays may show that the long bone in your upper arm (the humerus) is slightly out of place.
• Shoulder arthrography is most helpful in identifying a suspected rotator cuff tear. In this test, a dye that shows up on X-rays is injected directly into the shoulder joint, and the joint is then moved around. Then an X-ray of the shoulder is taken. If any dye is seen leaking from the joint, then it is highly likely that you have a ruptured rotator cuff.
• MRI provides a noninvasive means of assessing the integrity of the rotator cuff although it is more costly and not as specific as arthrography.

Biceps

• X-rays may show that your upper arm bone is out of place or that the place where the muscle attaches has changed.
• If your biceps tendon is completely ruptured, the biceps retracts toward the elbow causing a swelling just above the crease in your arm. This is called the Popeye deformity.
• You will experience decreased strength of elbow flexion and arm supination (moving the hand palm up).
• You will have decreased ability to raise the arm out to the side when the hand is turned palm up.

Self-Care at Home

For all ruptured tendons, regardless of the site, follow the standard RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) home therapy procedure as you seek medical attention. RICE involves:

• Resting the affected extremity
• Applying ice to the affected area
  • Apply ice in a plastic bag wrapped in a towel or with a reusable cold pack wrapped in a towel.
  • Applying ice directly to skin may lead to further damage if left on for a prolonged period of time.
• Compression of the affected area to minimize swelling
  • Apply compression by loosely wrapping the affected area with an ACE bandage.
  • Be sure that the bandage does not cut off blood flow to the area in question.
• Elevation of the extremity if possible
  • Try to keep the area above the level of your heart to minimize swelling.
  • It is recommended that the quadriceps rupture should be immobilized in an extended (straight knee) position and that biceps rupture should be immobilized in a sling with the elbow bent at 90°.

Medical Treatment

• Quadriceps
  • Partial tears may be treated without surgery by placing your straight leg in a cast or immobilizer for 4-6 weeks.
  • Once you are able to raise the affected leg without discomfort for 10 days, it is safe to slowly stop the immobilization.
• Achilles tendon
  • Treatment without surgery involves immobilizing your foot so that the sole of the foot is pointed downward for 4-8 weeks.
  • This treatment has been advocated by some because it gives similar results to surgery in motion and strength. The problem with this treatment is that it has a rerupture rate of up to 30%. Nevertheless, it may still be a reasonable option for those who are at increased operative risk because of age. medical problems. or inactivity.
• Rotator cuff
  • The rotator cuff is unique because treatment without surgery is the treatment of choice in most tendon injuries. More than 90% of tendon injuries are long term in nature, and 33-90% of these chronic rupture symptoms go away without surgery.
  • In contrast, acute rupture, as occurs with trauma, may or may not be repaired surgically depending on the severity of the tear.
  • If the tear is either less than 50% of the cuff thickness or less than 1 cm in size, the dead tissue is removed arthroscopically. A small incision is made and a tool called an arthroscope is passed into the joint. Through it, the surgeon can see and remove dead tissue without actually cutting the joint open. The shoulder is then left to heal.
• Biceps
  • Most surgeons prefer not to operate on a ruptured biceps tendon because function is not severely impaired with its rupture.
  • Studies suggest that after biceps rupture, only a small fraction of elbow flexion is lost and approximately 10%-20% strength reduction in supination (ability to turn the hand palm up). This is considered to be a moderate loss and not worth the risk of surgery in middle-aged and older people.

Surgery

• Quadriceps
  • Unless the doctor is sure that the injury is a partial tear, surgery will be done to repair the tendon.
  • After your operation, you will be placed in a cast or immobilizer as if you had a partial tear.
  • With physical therapy, your injured leg should be up to speed with your noninjured leg in 6 months.
• Achilles tendon
  • Surgery to repair your Achilles tendon is recommended for active people who desire near normal strength and power in plantarflexion. An additional advantage with surgical correction is a lower rerupture rate of the tendon.
  • After your operation, your foot will be immobilized with your toes pointing downward for 3-4 weeks and then progressively brought into neutral position over 2-3 weeks before weight-bearing is started. Surgery carries with it a higher risk of infection than closed treatment.
• Rotator cuff
  • Many surgeons will not attempt surgical repair until nonoperative treatment has failed, even in cases of larger tears.
  • Surgical treatment is usually reserved for a severe tear in a young person or in an older person (aged 60-70 years) who is suddenly unable to externally rotate their arm.
  • Acromioplasty, removal of the coracoacromial ligament and repair of the rotator cuff tendon, usually results in near full rotator cuff strength.
• Biceps
  • In young people unwilling to accept the loss of function and mild deformity involved with this injury, surgery is performed to repair the tendon.
  • Surgery is also considered for the middle-aged person who requires full supination strength in their line of work.
  • You should leave your arm in a sling for a few days after surgery and then begin to use the affected arm as tolerated. After surgery, your elbow flexion and arm supination is near normal in about 12 weeks.

Prevention

To prevent future tears, avoid the cause of the ruptured tendon or treat the problem that led to the tear.

The prognosis for both surgery and nonsurgical treatment varies with the location and severity of the rupture.

Surgical repair, in concert with additional physical therapy, can result in return to normal strength. Nonoperative repair has also shown promise in tendon ruptures.

Nonoperative treatment is most effective in partial tendon ruptures. The drawback of nonoperative treatment is that strength is not as reliably returned to baseline with this type of treatment. The benefits include a decreased risk of infection and generally shorter recovery time.

patellar tendon rupture, Achilles tendon rupture, rotator cuff rupture, biceps tendon rupture, ruptured tendon
 

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Ankle ligament rupture – What we treat “Doctor OST”

#Rupture of ankle ligaments: who is at risk? #What an ankle ligament tear looks like #Who treats an ankle ligament tear? #How to treat an ankle ligament tear #How much does it cost? #Reviews

54% of ligament ruptures occur at a young age
30% of the sick, if left untreated, lose their ability to work
12% of patients get a disability

96% – the proven effectiveness of the treatment of torn ligaments in “Doctor OST”!

39,780 patients rescued
from the need for surgery.

Stretching, rupture of the ligaments of the ankle – frequent household injuries. It’s rather embarrassing to stumble, twist your leg, so that the piercing pain fetters and does not allow you to take a single step. After an ankle ligament rupture, treatment and rehabilitation sometimes drag on for a year or more. “Doctor OST” is ready to offer the latest treatment technologies that can replace surgery and speed up ligament recovery!

The ankle is a stable and flexible system, thanks to which we feel support, we can stand and walk. The range of motion provides a complex structure of ligaments, muscles and joints. The lower leg and foot are connected by three large bones and three groups of ligaments: external, internal and interosseous. But the more complex the system, the easier it is to damage it. More than half of the cases of damage to the ankle – rupture of the ligaments on the leg from the outside. Thanks to these tendons, we can bend the foot down and turn inward. Less commonly, internal ligaments are damaged, and even more rarely, interosseous ligaments.

ANKLE RUPTURE: WHO IS AT RISK?

A person can twist his leg at any age. Sometimes it happens literally “out of the blue”: I walked, stumbled – and you’re done: an attack of pain after a rupture of the ankle ligaments and the inability to step on your foot. But there are those who have a higher risk of injury:

• Athletes are athletes.
• Skiers, rollerbladers, skaters, etc.
• Gardeners armed with shovels: digging the ground in the spring, they give a sharp unusual load on the ankle.
• Patients with foot abnormalities: clubfoot, flat feet, etc.
• Patients with pathologies of the musculoskeletal system: scoliosis, impaired posture and gait.
• Overweight persons.
• Those who have congenital diseases in which the connective tissue is especially elastic (Marfan syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, etc.).

WHAT A ANKLE RUPTURE LOOKS

There are three types of damage, each with its own symptoms.

1 DEGREE

Stretching of a small number of fibers.

• Discomfort when trying to step on the foot, walk quickly or run. There is no pain at rest.
• Slight swelling over the injury and on the forefoot.

2 DEGREE

Partial break – significant damage to the fibers.

• Sharp pain with every step, also at rest, especially after waking up.
• Significant edema, noticeable when putting on shoes (the diseased leg is larger than the healthy one).

3 DEGREE

Ligament rupture with extensive trauma to the ankle.

The symptoms of torn ligaments are especially severe:

• Unable to step on foot due to pain;
• Swelling of the entire joint, redness may reach the middle of the lower leg;
• Hematoma over the damaged ligament.

If you experience these symptoms, it is important to immediately see a doctor!

WHO TREATS A RUPTURED LINATION?

First you need to get a consultation with an orthopedic traumatologist.

For out-of-town patients and patients experiencing difficulties in moving independently, a free remote consultation is provided. Such a consultation makes it possible to get acquainted in advance with possible schemes and forecasts for the treatment of arthritis in “Doctor OST”, as well as to receive a list of necessary examinations so that a further visit to the doctor is already as productive as possible.

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Diagnosis of torn ligaments

The following instrumental diagnostic methods will help the treating specialist to diagnose sprains:

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Radiography

X-ray is a common examination of bones and joints, which allows you to instantly obtain information about the state of hard tissues. More

Tendon ultrasound

Gives an idea of ​​the state of the extensors and surrounding tissues, as well as swelling and hematoma.

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Joint ultrasound

Ultrasound of the joints or arthrosonography is a reliable and quick way to find out why the pain is tormenting and assess the condition of the joint. More

Magnetic resonance imaging

MRI can assess soft tissue damage, including ligaments, menisci, joint capsules, and adjacent tissues.

Unlike MRI and ultrasound, an x-ray examination does not make it possible to visualize the ligamentous apparatus, but it can be used to exclude a fracture and see indirect signs of sprain.

HOW TO TREAT A ANKLE RUPTURE

General rules for the treatment of ankle ligament rupture, regardless of the degree:

• Gentle regimen and rest.
• Fixation. Gypsum for torn ankle ligaments is required if the damage is extensive. It is a cheap, ubiquitous material.

In the medical center “Doctor OST” procedures are carried out, after which the patient’s condition after an injury improves much faster. Recovery after a rupture of the ankle ligaments of 1 and 2 degrees takes up to 3 weeks.

Regenerative treatment of torn ankle ligaments

If the pain is very severe and the injury is severe, a puncture may be needed to remove accumulated fluid in the joint, medical pain relief. The fusion of ligaments with their complete rupture takes place with complete immobilization of the limb. It takes 5-6 weeks to heal. It is possible to stop acute pain without analgesics, and to achieve a speedy fusion – without surgical threads. Modern cellular technologies come to the rescue. They stimulate the synthesis of new cells in damaged tissues, promoting self-fusion.

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Stromal Vascular Fraction (SVF) Injection

The latest method of joint treatment is now available in “Doctor OST”! All this without chemicals, synthetic foreign materials, surgery and prostheses. More

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Smart-X

An improved method of treating joints with stromal cells. Allows without chemistry and surgery to stimulate and regenerate damaged articular tissues. More

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Plasmogel Injection

For the first time and only in “Doctor OST”! The latest technology for the treatment of acute pain caused by damage to the musculoskeletal and joint-ligamentous systems. Effect for tomorrow! More

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PRP therapy

PRP Therapy is the latest treatment technique designed to repair damaged tissues with platelet-rich plasma. More

Physiotherapy treatment of torn ankle ligaments

Physiotherapy at “Doctor OST” helps to restore limb mobility. It is important to take care that the elasticity of the ligament after the rupture is at the level. Helps with this:

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HILT laser

Instantly relieves acute pain, stimulates the renewal of healthy cells and is able to replace prosthetic surgery. More

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Magnetotherapy BTL

Allows you to quickly and without drugs relieve acute pain, restore blood circulation, improve lymph flow and accelerate healing after injuries and operations. More

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Shock wave therapy

The SWT method successfully copes with various diseases of the spine and joints, making it possible to avoid surgical intervention in treatment. More

Rehabilitation activities

One of the most important stages of recovery after an injury is a well-designed rehabilitation. An ankle ligament tear is an unpleasant event, and it should be treated with the same responsibility as a fracture.

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Orthotics

A modern alternative to plaster and traditional rigid orthoses. It is used for dislocations, fractures, scoliosis, after joint surgery and after a stroke. More

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Taping

Tapes are adhesive tapes. They are fixed on the body, reducing the load on the diseased joint, injured muscle or ligament. Facilitate blood flow, lymph flow and speed up recovery. More

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Exarta Kinesitherapy Unit

A safe technique that allows you to accelerate the restoration of proper motor functions and get rid of pain. More

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exercise therapy (therapeutic exercise)

Exercise therapy has a beneficial effect not only on muscles, ligaments and joints, but also on the nervous system, forms a positive attitude. More

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Massage

Massage calms the nervous system, enhances blood microcirculation and improves metabolism.

Read more

Patient testimonials for ankle tear treatment

“Plasmogel” injection against gonarthrosis!

Even surgery couldn’t cope with my sports injury! Chondroprotectors, dietary supplements and other drugs were also powerless against knee pain. Therefore, I decided to resort to modern treatment and turned to “Doctor OST”.

Read more

Professional athletes choose Doctor Ost!

A torn meniscus and sprained ligaments threatened the ballerina’s health and career. Having studied Karina’s history remotely, “Doctor Ost” took up this case and saved the injured knee. Already on the 10th day, the girl was able to return to rehearsals!

Read more

Doctor OST saved me from pain and saved me from surgery!

For more than 5 years I could not get rid of pain due to grade 3 gonarthrosis. I sought help from doctors, but all offered only an operation. But in “Doctor OST” they found another way out, they appointed SVF. Within a week after the treatment, I forgot about the pain!

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Elbow brace

I threw out the cast and put an orthosis on the elbow joint after a serious dislocation. So I saved my right hand and my summer!

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Injection “Plasmogel” against gonarthrosis!

#plasmogel

Knee surgery, chondroprotectors and mountains of drugs did not give a positive result, but the plasmogel in “Doctor OST” helped!

Watch

Professional athletes choose “Doctor Ost”!

I thought that my career was over, because my knee hurt terribly, but everything worked out!

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Doctor OST saved me from pain and saved me from surgery!

Unbearable pain in the knees brought me to Doctor OST. The treatment is effective, it helped me.

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Orthosis for the elbow joint

The elbow is intact, the garden is in order! Thank you Doctor OST.

How much does it cost?

Ankle ligament rupture is treated by an orthopedic traumatologist at Doctor OST. Look for the cost of a specialist consultation in the “Advisory Reception” section of our price list. Follow the promotions, do not miss the best price!

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Ankle ligament rupture treatment can be obtained at DOCTOR OST branches:

Almaty

Chelyabinsk

Yekaterinburg

Kazan

Krasnodar

Krasnoyarsk

Nizhny Novgorod

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Q&A

You asked

Can SVF Therapy Cure a Torn Meniscus?

Doctor answers:

A tear of the meniscus is a direct indication for the appointment of stromal-vascular fraction. We already have some accumulated practical experience on how to treat a meniscus tear with stromal cells. Read more

Ankle tear

MATERIAL CHECKED: KUZNETSOV Yu.V.
Specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with traumatic and non-traumatic pathologies of the musculoskeletal system (bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, cartilage). As a treatment, he uses advanced medical technologies that do not require surgical intervention.
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The reviews provided on the site are not a substitute for the professional advice of a physician and should not serve as a guide to self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Book an appointment or a free online consultation.

articles of the Oxford Medical clinic Kyiv

The information in the article is provided for review and is not a guide to self-diagnosis and treatment. If symptoms of the disease appear, you should consult a doctor.

Contents:

1. Classification of leg sprain

2. Symptoms of leg sprain

3. Causes of leg sprain

4. First aid

5. Diagnosis of leg sprain

6. Leg sprain treatment

7. Rehabilitation

8. Prevention

Ligaments are elastic fibers that hold individual bones together. Together with muscles and tendons, they provide mobility and stability to the musculoskeletal system.

Sprain is one of the most common injuries. It occurs with excessive loads, sudden or non-physiological movements in the joint. You can pull the ligaments during sports, lifting weights, falling, etc.

Many experts consider the term not correct enough. In fact, we are not talking about stretching, but about microtears or rupture of individual fibers. Due to the fact that the connection between the tissues is preserved, with minor damage, they grow together on their own. However, complete torn ligaments often require surgical treatment.

Classification of leg sprains

Depending on the location, sprains are distinguished:

The ligaments of the knee and ankle joints are most often affected.

According to the nature of the damage, 3 degrees of sprain are distinguished:

• mild – damage to several fibers occurs, which is accompanied by minor pain;

• medium – up to half of the ligament fibers are injured, which causes severe pain and partially limits joint mobility;

• severe – micro-ruptures are formed along the entire length of the ligaments, acute pain occurs, the functionality of the joint is limited.

A mild sprain may heal on its own in 1-2 weeks, but moderate to severe injuries require medical attention. As a rule, drug therapy, physiotherapy and joint immobilization are carried out. Such treatment and rehabilitation can take from several weeks to several months.

Symptoms of a leg sprain

Oxford Medical says that sprain symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the injury. A mild injury causes aching pain, slight swelling, and bruising, while a severe injury causes sharp pain, swelling, and limited movement of the joint.

Signs of a sprain are:

• pain at the time of injury;

• pain when resting on the leg, moving the joint;

• pain when probing the joint;

• puffiness;

• skin redness;

• hematoma;

• limitation of joint mobility.

Pain may be aching or sharp, and worse during walking or other movements. With severe injuries, it does not allow you to lean on your leg.

Edema develops immediately after injury and, if nothing is done, gradually increases.

Hematoma is formed as a result of hemorrhage into soft tissues. It is a sign of severe trauma and may appear after a few hours or days.

Also, with a sprain, joint mobility is likely to be limited, while with a complete rupture, on the contrary, it can become abnormal.

It should be borne in mind that such symptoms are typical not only for ligament damage, but also for other disorders: tendon rupture, joint dislocation or fracture, so you should definitely contact an orthopedic traumatologist and undergo a diagnosis.

Causes of leg sprains

Sports and household injuries are the main causes of sprains. Injury can occur during running, jumping, active play, falling or slightly twisting the leg. Although the ligaments are composed of elastic tissues, they are injured during movements exceeding the usual amplitude.

In rare cases, ligament damage develops against the background of arthritis, arthrosis and other chronic diseases.

Risk factors include:

• professional sports activities;

• sedentary lifestyle;

• overweight;

• old age;

• flat feet and/or high arches;

• wearing uncomfortable shoes, high heels;

• arthritis, arthrosis, diabetes and some other diseases.

First aid for leg sprains

Immediately after an injury, it is difficult to determine the type and severity of the injury, so first aid involves following the standard rules:

• the victim should lie down or sit down;

• the injured leg must be immobilized and placed on a slight elevation;

• remove shoes in case of ankle injury;

• then apply a cold compress to the injured area.

An elevated leg position and a cold compress help reduce swelling and pain. At the same time, you can keep the cold for no more than 20 minutes, after which you should take a break to prevent frostbite of the tissues, and repeat the compress.

It is also very important to avoid stressing the damaged ligaments, as this can aggravate the injury. You can’t lean on your foot and go somewhere on your own.

After first aid, the patient must be taken to the hospital for diagnosis and necessary treatment.

Diagnosis of leg sprain

During an appointment, an orthopedic traumatologist first of all examines the injured leg and asks the patient about the injury. By the nature of the pain, swelling, and other symptoms, a specialist can immediately diagnose a sprain. But if a rupture, dislocation of the joint or fracture is suspected, instrumental studies will be required.

The doctor may prescribe:

• x-ray;

• Joint ultrasound;

• computed tomography;

• magnetic resonance imaging;

• arthroscopy – endoscopic examination of the joint.

X-ray, ultrasound, and/or CT can provide an accurate diagnosis in most cases. According to their results, the doctor determines the degree of damage and selects the necessary treatment.

Treatment of leg sprains

Sprains require immobilization of the leg, reduction of swelling, pain and rapid healing of tissues.

To do this, the doctor may prescribe:

• leg immobilization or complete physical rest for several days;

• drug therapy – anti-inflammatory, analgesic and other drugs of local and general action;

• cold compresses;

• joint compression with elastic bandage;

• massage;

• physiotherapy procedures;

• exercise therapy.

In the first days, the patient is recommended bed rest, which excludes the load on the injured leg. Medications are used, including in the form of ointments and creams, which are applied to the skin at the site of sprain.

Sometimes massage and physiotherapy are also prescribed to relieve symptoms, improve local blood circulation, metabolism, etc., which speeds up the healing process of the ligaments.

Rehabilitation after sprained leg

Pain and other manifestations of the injury usually resolve within a few weeks, but even after that, the injured leg should not be heavily loaded. It takes several months, and sometimes more, to fully restore the ligaments. At this time, you need to perform simple physiotherapy exercises, gradually increasing the intensity of the loads.

Prevention of leg sprains

For the prevention of sprains recommend:

• observe safety measures when playing sports;

• warm up muscles before heavy exercise;

• use elastic bandages and other orthopedic devices to fix joints under heavy loads;

• wear comfortable shoes with low running or low stable heels;

• be careful when walking on uneven or slippery surfaces;

• maintain normal body weight;

• treat all diseases in a timely manner.