Q. What is the Achilles tendon?
A. The Achilles tendon is one of the largest tendons in the body and transmits the incredibly strong plantar flexion forces.
Q. Why does the Achilles tendon rupture?
A. The Achilles tendon silently degenerates over time. As a result, Achilles ruptures often happen suddenly and without warning, most often during a normal activity such as running.
Q. What causes degeneration?
A. The causes of degeneration are unknown. Something causes the cells in the Achilles to die early. I personally believe it is a high carbohydrate diet, but the explanation is too complex for a short answer.
Q. What can you do to prevent an Achilles rupture?
A. Since there is no proven cause, what can you do to prevent an Achilles rupture? Some claim that good stretching of the Achilles tendon helps, but we have no study that proves that to be true.
Q. What is the best treatment after rupture?
A. Treatment for an Achilles rupture is age and activity dependent. Most patients do best with primary Achilles tendon repair. My patients walk after 1-2 days. They move their ankle after 10-14 days and they begin physical therapy at 6 weeks. Older patients or those with very little activity demands can do well with casting for 10 weeks.