Achilles tendon ruptures

The management of patients with ruptured Achilles tendon is still debated in the medical community, with both surgical and conservative management considered viable options. Non-surgical treatment is often considered in cases of partial ruptures, or recent full-thickness injuries, where the tendon and calf muscle belly are not significantly retracted. In these cases, early nonsurgical intervention consisting of implementation of an orthopedic brace that brings the two ends of the tendon (foot in plantar flexion) closer together, limiting its stress and facilitating the healing process (with additional implementation of crutches) may be considered. The protocol progresses with a gradual increase in allowable ankle motion over several weeks, combined with rehabilitation to preserve as much function as possible. When conservative management is not a viable option (e.g., in complete ruptures of the long-standing tendon with significant calf retraction), surgery is intended to repair the ruptured tendon through the implementation of several techniques, which are always discussed between the patient and the medical-surgical staff. After surgery, a protocol of protection (brace and crutches) and gradual recovery of mobility, similar to that implemented for the non-surgical approach, such as Achilles tendon physiotherapy, will be implemented. Regardless of the management strategy used, our advice is to seek medical care at a specialized facility that can take care of your complete recovery process from the beginning, as poor practices in the early phase (e.g., late start of rehabilitation, early aggressive mobilization, etc.) can significantly affect the recovery process and expose you to potential complications (tendon elongation, mobility deficits, etc.). At Isokinetic, after being seen by one of our medical specialists, you will be prescribed an Achilles tendon rupture rehabilitation plan tailored to your condition. Rehabilitation will take place in four different settings, the pool, the gymnasium, the movement analysis and optimization room, and the field. You will work with a specialized rehabilitation team that will help you minimize your symptoms and regain mobility (in the pool and gym), improve your muscular strength and endurance (in the gym), restore excellent quality of movement and explosiveness (in the movement analysis room), and finally, return to your sports and activities of daily living after completing rehabilitation in the field to maximize your performance and prevent recurrence.