Kobe Bryant is now 3 months postop from his Achilles tendon repair after he ruptured it toward the end of the NBA season. Surgery was done by my mentors (Doctors Neal ElAttrache and Stephen Lombardo) at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles.
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscle to the heel and helps you point your foot downward and push off as you walk. If stretched too far, the tendon can tear (ie, rupture), causing severe pain in the ankle and lower leg that can make it difficult or even impossible to walk. An Achilles tendon rupture might occur after repeated stress on the tendon and may be partial or complete, depending on the severity of the injury.
Injuries to the Achilles tendon are common and are usually caused by several different factors, including:
- Overuse
- Poor stretching habits
- Tight or weak calf muscles
- Flat feet
- Wearing shoes that do not fit properly
- Engaging in physical activity after a long break
After an Achilles tendon rupture, people often experience severe pain and swelling, and are unable to walk normally or bend their foot. You may hear a pop or snap with the rupture, or you may feel like someone kicked you in the calf. However, these symptoms are similar to other conditions, such as bursitis and tendonitis, so it is important to seek prompt medical attention in order to determine the correct diagnosis of your condition.
Treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture depends on the severity of the condition, but often requires surgery to repair the tendon and restore function to the foot. Less severe cases may only require a cast or walking boot for several weeks, although the risk of a recurring rupture is higher. Patients can help prevent an Achilles tendon injury by stretching the tendon and nearby muscles before participating in physical activity.
No comments:
Post a Comment