An Achilles tear is a debilitating injury that can be incredibly frustrating for those who experience it. This injury can keep you from participating in sports, walking, or performing other everyday activities. As a result, many people may wonder if they should push through the pain and continue with their daily activities. In this blog post, we’ll explore if it’s okay to push through an Achilles tear.
What is an Achilles tear?
Before we dive into the question, whether it is okay to push through an Achilles tear, let’s first understand what this injury entails. Achilles tendon injury occurs when the Achilles tendon – a thick band of tissue located at the back of the ankle – ruptures, causing pain, swelling, and difficulty in moving your foot. This injury commonly affects athletes like runners and basketball players.
Should you push through an Achilles tear?
The short answer is no. It is not advisable to push through an Achilles tear. If you continue with your activities despite the injury, you could cause further damage to the tendon, leading to a longer recovery period and even require more invasive treatments like surgery. Additionally, pushing through the pain can prolong the healing process, and you may end up with chronic heel pain or ankle instability.
What are the treatments for Achilles tendon injuries?
It’s critical to seek medical treatment when you experience an Achilles tendon injury to correctly diagnose the extent of the injury and plan an appropriate treatment program. A physiotherapist or chiropractor can offer a range of interventions, including exercises to help you regain strength and range of motion and functional treatment to relieve pain and inflammation. In some cases, surgery may be necessary, especially for severe tears.
Rehabilitation after an Achilles Tendon Injury
After a diagnosis, the key to recovery is a comprehensive rehabilitation program designed to help restore strength and flexibility in the affected ankle joint. The program includes exercise, range-of-motion maneuvers, and mobility aids such as crutches or braces to reduce pressure on the tendon. It’s essential to follow your physiotherapist or chiropractor’s recommendations to prevent the injury from reoccurring. Returning to sports or other activities should be gradual and only when you have regained your strength.
In conclusion, an Achilles tear is a severe injury that requires proper care and treatment to heal correctly. Pushing through the pain is not advisable and can only worsen the injury. It would be best if you sought medical attention immediately to diagnose and manage the injury correctly. With comprehensive rehabilitation, you can regain your strength and mobility and return to your daily activities safely.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Nitin Nair, BPT, R/TRO DIP, PT, or another Kitchener physiotherapy practitioner at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
