ACHILLES CENTER OF EXCELLENCE (A.C.E)

Achilles Tendon Tears/Injuries

Acute Achilles tendon ruptures should be differentiated from ruptures that occur as the result of chronic degeneration of the tendon. An acute rupture of a healthy tendon can be successfully treated either conservatively or operatively. Irrespective of the treatment method, however, rehabilitation is a crucial component of treatment. Thus, a patient's adherence to rehabilitation should be taken into consideration in determining a treatment strategy. Rehabilitation during the first 6 months after injury is of significant importance for patients with an acute rupture of the Achilles tendon. While specifics of the rehabilitation protocol may vary, the focus of rehabilitation is on preventing rerupture for the first 2 months after injury and improving calf muscle strength for the next 1 month (between 2 months and 3 months after injury). Then, for the following 3 months (between 3 months and 6 months after injury), rehabilitation efforts are directed toward a return to sports through vigorous strengthening and proprioceptive exercises. Furthermore, during rehabilitation after either treatment, care should be taken not to cause hyperdorsiflexion of the ankle to prevent calf muscle weakness.