During an open surgery an incision is made in the back of the leg and the Achilles tendon is stitched together through the incision(s). In a complete or serious rupture the tendon of plantaris or another vestigial muscle is harvested and wrapped around the Achilles tendon, increasing the strength of the repaired tendon.
Symptoms:
Immediate, severe pain in the calf
Tenderness
Swelling
Stiffness
Hearing a snapping or popping noise during the injury
Difficulty flexing your foot or pointing your toes
Causes:
Explosive acceleration (running, jumping)
Direct trauma to Achilles tendon
Sudden activation of the Achilles after atrophy from prolonged periods of inactivity
Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin)
Treatment:
Period of immobilization in walking boot
Progress to passive ROM, then to active ROM
Massage to reduce swelling
Cross friction massage to scar to decrease scar tissue
Foot intrinsic muscle strengthening
Non-weight bearing lower extremity strengthening
Resisted ankle strengthening
Gait program
Progress to weight bearing lower extremity strengthening
