How to tell if you have a Torn Foot Tendon?
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How to tell if you have a Torn Foot Tendon?
Tendons are fibrous tissues that attach muscle to bone. They can take a great amount of force but can snap or rupture if there is too much force from an injury. Torn foot tendon injuries can be serious and must be treated properly to avoid permanent disability. Tendons are specific to their area and the treatment is specific to their function. Our goal in this article is to help you if you think you have a torn foot tendon. If you have any questions, please feel free to give us a call.
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Anatomy of the foot muscles and tendons.
Symptoms of Torn Tendon
Torn tendons commonly occur in middle-aged or older individuals. The cause can be from a direct trauma, tendon weakening due to age, too much stress on the tendon, steroid injections, and taking certain antibiotics. There are several signs and symptoms that may occur when a tendon is torn:
- Hearing or feeling a snap or a pop.
- Severe pain in the area.
- Immediate or quick bruising.
- Weakness in the joint.
- The inability to use the foot or bear weight.
- The inability to move the ankle.
- Visible deformity in the area.
If you have experienced these above symptoms, you should seek medical attention immediately. There is a possibility you have torn a tendon in your foot. Especially note the inability to move the ankle and the inability to weight bear. There also might be a feeling of instability when walking and putting weight on the ankle. When there is severe pain in the foot with a snap or pop, you should visit the emergency room instead of waiting for an MD appointment.
Muscles and Tendons of Shin or Lower leg
Diagnosis of Foot Tendon Tears
Our JOI Foot and Ankle Specialists will typically diagnose strained Achilles through a detailed physical examination of the affected area, looking for signs of tenderness, swelling, and injury. Often, the Thompson Test is a test used for Achilles Tendon ruptures. In some cases, imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the heel tendon strain.
The Thompson Test is where you kneel on a chair and let your ankle hang freely over the edge. He will then squeeze your calf muscle to see if your foot and/or toes point downwards. If they do not, then the Achilles tendon is most likely torn. For the foot, they may perform joint mobilization to see if one ankle has more laxity than another. If the MD believes that the damage is more severe, they may order an MRI or ultrasound of the injured area to fully diagnose and come up with a treatment plan. The plantar fascia of the foot is well known to have micro-tears in the structure, and it is a very common injury.
Calf Injuries
The muscles of the calf can also have strains and tears. Often when the calf is injured, it feels just like an Achilles Tendon injury. It is so important to seek out medical advice in these situations to make sure of the diagnosis.
Anatomy of the lower leg
Treatment of a Torn Foot Tendon
So, one may ask if a torn tendon will heal on its own? As far as treatment, some tears require surgery, like an Achilles Tendon tear. Some other tendons in the ankle are left to heal and scar down to the bone. This simply depends on the severity of the torn tendon and possible outcomes after treatment. The first step with a strain of a muscle or tendon is the RICE technique. To learn more about this treatment, please read this ARTICLE.
Physical therapy can help return a post-surgical tear regain normal stretch to return to the previous level of activity. While the good news of no surgery required is welcomed, with regards to partial tears the strength may not fully return, even with the help of extensive rehabilitation. The recovery time is shorter, but strength may not return fully. Soft tissue massage and The Graston Technique often are very helpful with partial muscle tears.
Graston Technique
Successful rehabilitation includes physical therapy exercises such as gentle stretching and strengthening, designed to improve flexibility, restore strength, and promote proper healing. Following a rehabilitation program by a trusted physical therapist is crucial for safe and effective recovery from a strain or tear in the lower leg.
To schedule for Physical Therapy at one of the 13 JOI Rehab Centers, please call 904-858-7045.
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At JOI Online, we understand the difficulties of recovering from strains. Our team of professionals can guide you through a comprehensive rehabilitation program tailored to your needs, ensuring a successful recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you on your journey towards a pain-free and active life. JOI is Northeast Florida’s most respected and experienced orthopedic practice.
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