Our Achilles tendon is important in our daily lives as it helps us walk, run and jump. However, this mighty band of tissue connecting our calf muscles to our heel bone, can become injured, causing discomfort, pain, and ultimately affecting our mobility. A minor Achilles injury can be treated at home, but when it is ignored and left untreated it can become a serious condition that can only be treated by medical professionals. In this blog, we will discuss the seriousness of Achilles injury and why it should not be taken lightly.
Firstly, Achilles injuries are serious because they may require surgery if left untreated. A ruptured Achilles can cause severe pain, swelling and immobility. In some cases, surgery may be the only solution to repair the tendon. Surgery is a serious procedure with various risks, including infection, deep vein thrombosis, and nerve injury. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to avoid any complications.
Secondly, Achilles injuries can take months or even years to heal properly. The healing process can be prolonged if the injury is not treated promptly or properly. In extreme cases, the tendon may not even heal at all, leading to permanent disability. The Achilles tendon has a poor blood supply, making it difficult to heal. Additionally, there is a high risk of re-injury, which can be even more challenging to heal. Therefore, it is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and to seek medical attention if you experience any pain or discomfort.
Thirdly, an untreated Achilles injury can lead to secondary complications. When you have an Achilles injury, you may compensate for the pain which can cause imbalances and overuse of other muscles and joints. This can lead to further injuries such as knee and hip pain, and even back pain. Therefore, it is important to get treated as soon as possible to avoid any further complications, and avoid trying to heal achilles injuries on your own.
Fourthly, Achilles injuries can greatly affect your quality of life. Mobility is a crucial part of our daily lives, and when it is compromised, it can impact our mental and emotional wellbeing. Being limited in our activities and movements can cause us to feel frustrated, sad, and angry. It can be difficult to walk with an achilles injury so rehabilitation may be required. Additionally, it can restrict our ability to work and maintain social relations. Therefore, it is important to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid any long-term repercussions.
In conclusion, an Achilles injury is a serious condition that should not be taken lightly. It can cause severe pain and immobility that may require surgery, months or even years to heal, and have negative secondary complications. Additionally, an Achilles injury can greatly affect our quality of life and emotional wellbeing. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention from a physiotherapist or chiropractor as soon as possible and follow your doctor’s instructions to avoid complications. Remember, prevention is better than cure, so it is important to exercise caution, be mindful of your body, and seek medical attention if you experience any pain or discomfort.
