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In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about partial achilles tear and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.
A partial tear in the Achilles tendon, which is the fibrous tissue connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone, frequently arises from athletic activities or abrupt actions. This condition leads to pain and swelling that can impede walking. For those experiencing these discomforts, it’s critical to be informed about what causes this injury, how it’s diagnosed, and the available treatment options for managing a partial tear of the Achilles tendon.
Key Takeaways
- A partial Achilles tendon tear is characterized by a partial disconnection of the tendon fibers, typically caused by sudden stress during physical activities, and is commonly accompanied by acute symptoms such as pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.
- Diagnosis of a partial Achilles tendon tear involves a clinical assessment and imaging techniques such as ultrasound or MRI to determine the extent of the injury and appropriate treatment, which can be either conservative or surgical based on various factors including severity and patient health.
- Treatment and rehabilitation focus on a structured approach with initial conservative methods like heel lifts and rest, progressing to physical therapy and controlled exercises; surgery is considered only if non-operative methods fail, and the entire recovery process can take several months with a gradual return to high-impact activities.
What Is a Partial Tear of the Achilles Tendon?
A partial rupture of the Achilles tendon signifies that there has been a disruption to some, but not all, fibers within the structure of the tendon. This kind of injury is less severe than full ruptures where the entire tendon separates. Partial tears typically arise suddenly and are often associated with high-impact activities or abrupt movements that exert excessive force on this critical connective tissue.
The Achilles tendon serves as a crucial link between our calf muscles and the heel bone. It is both substantial in size and strength compared to other tendons in our body. It plays an essential role when we engage in motions like walking, running, or jumping by facilitating force transmission from our calf muscle down to our foot. When only partially torn rather than completely severed, this linkage becomes compromised – differently impacting how our calf muscle coordinates with our heel bone during movement which can lead to specific symptoms such as:
- Experiencing pain or swelling at back portion of lower leg particularly near ankle
- Encountering difficulty while attempting usual actions like walking uprightly on toes
- Noticing diminished power within nearby muscle groups
- Detecting constraint regarding range of motion in the ankle joint
Prompt medical evaluation is key for anyone who suspects they have incurred an injury involving a potentially ruptured area around their Achilles tendon for ensuring proper recognition and precise intervention.
Symptoms of Partial Achilles Tendon Tear
An individual experiencing a partial tear of the Achilles tendon may initially feel an acute, piercing pain in the back of their ankle or lower calf. This is frequently accompanied by a snapping sound at the time when the injury occurs. It’s important to pay attention to these immediate symptoms and auditory clues since they often denote when the partial rupture occurs.
In subsequent moments after such an injury, individuals with a partially torn Achilles tendon tend to endure:
- Intense pain
- Impairment while walking
- Weakness within the foot that was injured, complicating weight bearing and daily tasks
- Continued discomfort coupled with swelling, especially towards the end of the day following physical exertion
Specifically related to tears near or within proximal areas of the Achilles tendon, difficulty during toe flexing efforts is common, and a thickened area along the tendon can often be palpated.
Causes and Risk Factors
Frequent repetitive stress often results in partial tears of the Achilles tendon. Such injuries are common when individuals suddenly increase physical exertion or engage in abrupt movements, especially in sports such as tennis, basketball, or soccer.
Other risk factors include tight calf muscles, previous inflammation or injury to the Achilles tendon, and certain anatomical predispositions that may increase susceptibility.
Diagnosis Methods
Diagnosing a partial tear involves a thorough clinical evaluation, including symptom review and physical examination, with tests such as Thompson’s test. Imaging tools like ultrasound and MRI are often used to determine the extent and precise location of the tear.
Treatment Options for Partial Achilles Tears
Treatment options depend on tear severity, age, activity level, and overall health. Conservative (non-surgical) treatment is usually recommended first, with surgery reserved for more severe or unresponsive cases.
Conservative Treatments
Conservative management involves:
- Heel lifts or special boots to reduce tendon stress
- Rest and immobilization of the injured foot
- Avoiding anti-inflammatory medications initially to allow natural healing
- Following the RICE regimen (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
Progressive physiotherapy and gradual range-of-motion exercises are introduced under professional supervision to rebuild strength safely.
Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy uses injections of a natural regenerative solution to stimulate collagen production and tendon repair. It is considered a long-term solution addressing the root cause of tendon tears.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery is considered if conservative measures fail or the tear is extensive. Techniques may include lesion excision, tendon augmentation, or tendon transfer depending on severity and patient needs.
Rehabilitation and Recovery
Recovery typically spans 9-12 weeks, with physiotherapy aimed at rebuilding strength, flexibility, and function. Early-stage rehab focuses on rest, elevation, and gentle movement, progressing to strengthening exercises over several months. Full return to high-impact activity may take 4-12 months depending on severity.
Prevention Tips
- Wear properly fitted, cushioned footwear
- Perform regular calf stretches and warm-ups
- Increase activity intensity gradually, by no more than 10% per week
- Choose safe surfaces for exercise and avoid abrupt direction changes
Possible Complications
Complications include deep vein thrombosis (DVT), reinjury, and improper healing leading to persistent pain or dysfunction. Following rehab protocols and preventative strategies is essential.
Long-Term Outlook
Patients following proper rehabilitation and preventative measures typically have positive outcomes, with restored strength, mobility, and reduced risk of future tears.
Summary
Partial Achilles tendon tears require prompt attention and structured treatment. Conservative care, prolotherapy, and rehabilitation are effective strategies to restore function and prevent reinjury.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it typically take to recover from a partial Achilles tendon tear?
Recovery spans 9-12 weeks, with full strength returning over several months.
Can I continue to exercise?
Exercise should be limited initially; a physiotherapist can guide safe rehabilitation exercises.
Is surgery always necessary?
No, conservative treatments are preferred initially; surgery is reserved for severe or unresponsive cases.
Prevention strategies?
Proper footwear, stretching, gradual training, and safe surfaces reduce risk.
Can I drive?
Usually after 9 weeks; earlier for automatic transmission with left foot injury.
Case Studies
Example cases demonstrate successful recovery from partial Achilles tears using a combination of conservative management, prolotherapy, and rehabilitation. Patients reported restored function, reduced pain, and prevention of further injury.
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Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in treating Achilles tendon tears, with patients travelling from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand symptoms associated with Achilles tendon tears and providing effective treatment options. He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy and completed further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital, Keele University, and Heidelberg University.
He has treated elite athletes including Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
Linkedin profile: Oliver Eaton
References
- Maffulli N, et al. “Achilles tendon disorders: etiology and management.” Br J Sports Med. 2004;38(4): 369–373.
- Hawkins, R. “Achilles Tendon Ruptures: Epidemiology and Management.” Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1997; 327: 7–12.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. “Achilles Tendon Injuries.” AAOS, 2023.
- ProHealth Clinic. “Prolotherapy for Tendon Injuries.” Accessed 2024. https://prohealthclinic.co.uk/