Did you know that up to 40 per 100,000 people tear a tendon each year? Tendons are some of the coolest things your body has; they allow you to move like the athlete you are so that you can perform all your day-to-day activities. Unfortunately, sometimes tendons get torn, forcing you to rest until they heal.
If you have been experiencing extreme foot pain after rigorous physical activity, you may have a torn tendon in your feet.
Keep reading to learn about the torn tendon symptoms in the foot as well as its causes, and treatments.
Causes of a Torn Tendon
A torn tendon in the foot can be a painful and debilitating injury. Here are the causes of a torn tendon you need to avoid to prevent tendon injury.
Trauma
Trauma is a common cause of torn foot tendons. This can be falls, sports-related incidents, or accidents. These events can exert excessive force of pressure on the tendons which results in stretching or tearing.
Athletes are particularly vulnerable due to sudden movements. A sudden pivot or twist can place tremendous stress on the tendons. Accidents involving falls and direct impacts to the foot can also result in tendon tears.
Traumatic injuries range in severity. From minor strains to complete ruptures. The extent of damage also depends on the force and angle of the impact.
Overuse
Overuse is a common cause of torn tendons in the foot. It often occurs due to repetitive and strenuous activities that place excessive strain on the tendons over time.
Activities like running, jogging, or participating in high-impact sports can lead to tendonitis. This is where tendons become inflamed and vulnerable to injury.
The repetitive nature of these activities combined with inadequate rest and improper footwear can worsen the problem. As the tendons become chronically irritated, they may weaken and eventually tear, causing significant pain and dysfunction.
Age-related Changes
As people age, their tendons naturally become less flexible and more vulnerable to injury. The aging process reduces the body’s ability to repair tissues, including tendons, making them prone to micro tears and degeneration. This can lead to chronic conditions like tendinopathy. In some cases, partial or complete tendon tears.
Poor Footwear
Poor footwear plays a significant role in foot tendon injuries. Shoes that lack proper support or that fail to match one’s foot type can create biomechanical imbalances and stress on tendons.
For example, shoes without proper arch support can strain arch tendons. Tight or loose footwear can cause discomfort and instability which increases the risk of injury during physical activities. Worn-out shoes lack the cushioning needed to absorb impact, which leads to extra tendon strain and wear over time.
Systemic Conditions
Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and gout are characterized by chronic inflammation and metabolic imbalances. These can weaken foot tendons and increase the risk of injury.
Rheumatoid arthritis leads to inflammation and damage, as the immune system mistakenly targets tendons. These systemic conditions make tendons more prone to injury even with minimal stress.
Torn Tendon Symptoms in Foot
Tendons are tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones, and when they tear, it can result in pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Here are the torn tendon symptoms in foot you need to look out for.
Pain
Pain is one of the first signs of a torn tendon. It often presents as a sharp, localized discomfort around the affected tendon. It tends to worsen with movement or pressure.
This pain can range from mild to severe, affecting daily activities and mobility. The intensity and persistence of pain can vary depending on the severity of the tendon injury. Minor strains cause mild discomfort and complete ruptures lead to intense and disabling pain.
Swelling
Swelling is a common symptom in foot tendon injuries. This results from the body’s natural response to injury, where blood and other fluids rush to the affected area.
In foot tendon injuries, swelling typically manifests as an enlargement or puffiness around the injured tendon site. This puffiness can lead to a feeling of tightness or discomfort in the affected area. This will make it harder to wear shoes or move the foot comfortably.
Bruising
Bruising often accompanies foot tendon injuries, resulting from ruptured blood vessels near the affected area. It appears as discolored, tender patches or marks around the affected tendon. This discoloration is caused by the release of blood into surrounding tissue.
Bruising can vary in severity. Some cases can show mild discoloration and others may show deeper, more extensive bruising. The presence of bruising is a visible sign of tissue damage and should not be overlooked.
Weakness
Weakness is a common symptom of foot tendon injuries. This results from the compromised function of the injured tendon. When a tendon is torn or injured, it may lose its ability to effectively transmit the forces generated by the muscles to the bones.
This results in a sense of weakness in the affected foot, making it challenging to perform activities that require strength or stability. This can make it difficult to walk, run, or perform exercises that engage the affected muscle-tendon unit.
Limited Range of Motion
Limited range of motion occurs due to impaired flexibility and movement in the affected tendon. When a tendon is torn or damaged, it can restrict the normal range of motion in the foot. This makes it difficult to perform various activities, such as bending the toes, flexing the ankle, walking, or running.
Treatments
Treatment for a torn tendon in the foot depends on the severity of the injury. Read on to learn about the common treatments you can use to recover and regain a stable foot.
Rest
Rest is essential in the treatment of foot tendon injuries. It allows the damaged tendon to heal by minimizing strain and stress on the affected area. Resting the foot involves reducing weight-bearing activities and immobilizing the tendon when necessary. This aids in pain relief, reduces swelling, and sets the stage for a successful recovery, enabling a gradual return to regular activities as the tendon heals.
Immobilization
Immobilization, using devices like casts or walking boots, is a crucial strategy in treating foot tendon injuries. It stabilizes the damaged tendon, reducing pain, preventing further injury, and aiding natural healing. Immobilization is particularly valuable for severe tears or ruptures, allowing the tendon to recover without unnecessary stress.
Ice
Icing is a valuable treatment for foot tendon injuries. When a tendon is injured, inflammation is a natural response of the body. However, excessive inflammation can impede the healing process and cause discomfort.
Applying ice to the injured area helps constrict blood vessels. This limits the flow of blood and fluids to the site, which in turn reduces swelling and alleviates pain. It also has a numbing effect that can provide immediate relief.
Applying ice in 15-20 minute intervals, wrapped in a cloth, is effective during the early stages of injury. It complements other treatments to enhance comfort and support healing.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can be effective for many foot tendon injuries such as peroneal tendonitis treatment. It focuses on restoring strength, flexibility, and function in the injured foot through exercises, stretches, and manual therapies.
Physical therapy strengthens surrounding muscles, enhances stability, and promotes tissue healing while preventing stiffness and improving mobility. Therapists also educate patients on injury prevention techniques.
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections are a valuable treatment for foot tendon injuries, particularly when inflammation and pain are prominent. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the affected area.
These injections swiftly alleviate discomfort and reduce inflammation. However, their use should be judicious and guided by a medical professional to avoid potential tendon weakening with excessive or frequent injections.
Surgery
Surgery is reserved for severe or complete foot tendon tears when conservative treatments are ineffective. It aims to repair the damaged tendon through various techniques. This involves suturing, grafting, or reattachment.
Performed by orthopedic specialists, surgery may require post-operative immobilization and subsequent physical therapy for recovery. While effective, it should be considered only after exhausting non-surgical options, given its longer recovery time and associated risks.
Orthotics and Supportive Footwear
For treating foot tendon injuries, you need orthotics and shoes that support your feet. Orthotic inserts provide custom or pre-made support. This eases stress on the nerve and helps the foot stay in the right proper alignment.
Supportive shoes are made to support the arch, soften, and absorb shock. These features ease pain, speed up healing, and keep you from future injuries by lowering the strain on your tendons during daily activities and exercise. Custom orthotics provide personalized support, which helps keep you from getting injuries in the long run.
Learn All About Torn Tendons Here
A torn tendon in the feet can be a painful and debilitating condition that can significantly impact one’s daily life. It is important to be aware of torn tendon symptoms in the foot, as well as its causes and the treatment options available in order to prevent and manage this injury effectively. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned, consult a medical professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Don’t let a torn tendon hold you back from living your life to the fullest!
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HussaiN is a full-time professional blogger from India. He is passionate about content writing, tech enthusiasts, and computer technologies. Apart from content writing on the internet, he likes reading various tech magazines and several other blogs on the internet. Email ID: [email protected]
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