Achilles tendon rupture rehabilitation

General

Treatment of an Achilles tendon rupture can with or without surgery respectively. In both cases, the entire treatment (including rehabilitation) usually between 12 and 16 weeks in claim. Once the rehabilitation is complete, it is possible to regain almost all of the previous performance. For competitive athletes, however, the therapy (especially due to the long period of inactivity) is usually a significant one Performance kink connected.

Just a few years ago, it was common practice to immobilize the previously surgically treated injury in an orthosis (usually a lower leg cast) for several weeks. Today there is a tendency instead to do a lot sooner with a gradually increasing load on the tendon to begin, as this results in a significantly better regeneration. Better wound healing and less long-term damage, such as stiffening of the Ankle, are the consequence. Patients are therefore able to regain their previous performance much faster.

procedure

First, the tendon and the Ankle joint stabilized by applying a splint (or using a special shoe) and brought into an equinus position. This splint will play an important role in rehabilitation over the next few weeks. A discharge from the hospital is possible only a few days after the operation; rehabilitation takes place afterwards outpatient.

Manual scar treatment, Lymphatic drainage by massaging the leg and making careful passive movements of the Foot through the Physiotherapists or a so-called Motor rail represent the first stage of rehab. Motor rails are frames that support the Move foot automatically and with a specified intensity and can support the work of the physiotherapist in such an excellent way. Additionally can Electrotherapy can be used to promote the healing process and relieve pain. There is also a targeted one for athletes Training the leg muscles.

In the following weeks, the one given by the splint / shoe Equinus position gradually decreased until a normal position of the foot is finally achieved. In parallel there is a increasing load on the leg during exercise therapy held until one Full load and easy running training is possible. This can often be after about 4 weeks be the case. After a further 2 - 4 weeks, you can start using the rail be waived. Forearm supports are still required, however.

During this time it is Training the leg muscles and the Coordination skills of great importance and can significantly accelerate the re-entry into professional life or sport. Typical exercises start with, for example Aqua jogging and later exercise sessions for general fitness, like Cycle or the upper body ergometer. Coordination training can take place by standing under full load first with both legs and then with one leg. Motor rails are still used in some cases during this phase.

Optimally from around the 3rd month the patient can then resume his sporting activities, even if the previous strength of the tendon is often not reached again at this point in time.

Appointment with an expert in Achilles tendonitis?

I would be happy to advise you!

Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
But now enough is indicated ;-)

Athletes (joggers, soccer players, etc.) are particularly often affected by the Achilles tendonitis disease. In many cases, the cause of the Achilles tendonitis cannot be identified at first. Therefore, the treatment requires a lot of experience. I focus on Achilles tendonitis.

The aim of every treatment is treatment without surgery with a complete recovery of performance.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

You can find me in:

• Lumedis - your orthopedic surgeon
  Kaiserstrasse 14
  60311 Frankfurt am Main

Directly to the online appointment arrangement
Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to make an appointment with private health insurers. I hope for your understanding!
Further information about myself can be found at Dr. Nicolas Gumpert

forecast

Injured Tendons In general, the healing process is slow and poor - the original full resilience is usually not achieved again. However, when tendon ruptures heal, one occurs Increase in diameter this, whereby a good stability of the tendon is achieved. If the therapy is optimal, this will be around 90% of the healthy tendon; Even competitive sport is possible again in most cases. The Probability of another crack the Achilles tendon (relapse) is 1 - 2 percent similarly highhow the risk of injury to a healthy tendon.