Tendon sprain in the leg. Leg sprain: symptoms and treatment What to do if you sprain a tendon
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Tendon rupture is a traumatic injury to these anatomical elements. Most often, a tendon rupture occurs in the leg, since this is where the greatest load falls. A tendon rupture occurs when there is traumatic injury to the connective tissue portion of the muscles that attach to bones and muscles.
Causes of breakups
Traumatic tendon injuries are often diagnosed due to various mechanical impacts and excessive force load, in particular during sports. The Achilles tendon ruptures especially often during sports activities, but other ligaments can also suffer as a result of excessive stress.
Also, this type of pathology occurs with regular overloads, leading to disruption of trophism and connective tissue diseases.
Types of traumatic injury
Since there are a large number of tendons in the human body, any one can rupture under excessive stress. Most often, the Achilles tendon suffers, which is more susceptible to excessive physical stress than others in the body. But, in addition to this, traumatic injuries to other tendons also occur:
- biceps brachii;
- flexors and extensors of the phalanges;
- quadriceps femoris;
- supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons.
General symptoms
All symptoms that arise from such traumatic lesions in the body can be divided into two groups:
- general symptoms, which include sharp pain, a crunching sound, impaired mobility, as well as the appearance of swelling and bruising at the site of injury;
- local, depending on the type of tendon that was injured due to one or another impact.
Features of Achilles tendon injury
The Achilles tendon is the most powerful in the human body, so it is quite difficult to rupture because it requires considerable force. In addition, its location prevents rupture - it is located in a special channel containing liquid to reduce friction.
Damage to this anatomical element can be of several types:
- open, which most often occur as a result of an industrial injury, for example, a leg injury in the Achilles tendon area with metal shavings, glass, etc.;
- closed, usually found in athletes after unsuccessful jumps or due to high-speed mechanical impacts;
- direct, resulting from a direct blow to the area of the Achilles tendon, and indirect, resulting from severe tension or stretching of the calf muscle.
In case of injury, the tendon can either completely rupture or tear, and depending on this, two types of pathology are distinguished: complete and partial rupture.
There is also such a variety of this damage as professional. This pathology is a degenerative injury to the Achilles tendon in the leg over a long period of time due to regular stress on it. Dancers and athletes (including acrobats) are susceptible to this disease.
Symptoms
The symptoms of this pathology are as follows:
- sharp pain in the leg (directly at the site of injury);
- upon inspection, a depression is noted above the damaged area;
- the defect can be felt by palpation;
- ankle function is impaired;
- there is a positive Thompson effect - when pressing on the calf, there is no reflex flexion of the foot.
Features of the treatment of this pathology
It should be said that conservative treatment of this type of traumatic injury is possible only if you consult a doctor in a timely manner. The doctor can apply a plaster splint only in the first hours after the rupture - in the future, surgical restoration of the integrity of the ligament is required.
In addition, surgery is indicated when there is an open rupture of the Achilles tendon and when the injury is very serious.
Note that conservative treatment through immobilization is used extremely rarely today, and the reason for this is that during the period of immobilization the joint completely loses its mobility and it is almost impossible to develop it after that. In the case of surgical restoration of the ligaments, the joint retains mobility, which allows the person to return to their usual lifestyle and continue their activities.
Ruptures of wrist extensors and flexors
Although the Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, there are others that are also commonly injured. In particular, the most common type of industrial injuries are ruptures of the tendons of the finger (finger phalanges) on the hand, as well as flexors and extensors of the hand. Damage can be either complete or partial, while lesions of both the extensor and flexor of the hand and fingers are equally common, which is why a person has a dysfunction of grasping function.
The extensor tendons are located in the area from the middle third of the forearm to the nail phalanges and are responsible for the ability to straighten the fingers; they pass under the skin of the hand and are attached directly to the bones of the hand.
Most often, such traumatic injuries are open, when the ends of torn ligaments are visible in the wound - this is the main criterion for diagnosing this injury. Also, with this type of injury, the position of the fingers is indicative - they are in an extended state, and the person experiences pain when trying to bend them.
The main diagnostic sign of this injury is the sensation upon palpation of a triangular-shaped bone fragment that protrudes in the proximal part. General symptoms are also present: pain, swelling, redness and dysfunction.
Treatment
Treatment of this pathology can be either conservative or surgical. Conservative involves applying an immobilizing bandage for several months (6–8 weeks). If there is an open wound surface, surgical treatment is recommended, consisting of pre-treatment of the wound and the application of a special tendon suture. For chronic traumatic injuries, the injured tendon is excised and replaced with a graft.
If we talk about a rupture of the quadriceps tendon, this is one of the rarest types of injury. With this pathology, the patient cannot move the lower leg, bend or straighten it. General symptoms are also noted - pain and swelling in the affected area.
A very common traumatic injury is patellar ligament rupture. A symptom of the pathology is the absence of the effect of bending the leg in the knee area, and there is also a displacement of the patella and retraction of tissue in the area of the upper third of the leg in front.
General symptoms are also inherent in this injury: a crunching sound when injured, swelling and redness, and a bruise often appears at the site of the rupture.
Rupture of the biceps brachii, supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons
An injury such as a rupture of the biceps brachii ligament is also quite rare in medical practice. Injuries to the biceps brachii tendons often occur in athletes of strength sports when lifting heavy weights. In addition, it can occur as a result of sudden lifting of weights or excessive load on the shoulder joints when performing gymnastic exercises by gymnasts and acrobats.
Symptoms of damage are as follows:
- shoulder pain radiating to the back;
- swelling of the biceps area;
- the presence of areas of muscle retraction during palpation;
- hemorrhages at the site of injury.
Elderly people often experience a rupture of the supraspinatus tendon, which is often associated with salt deposits in the shoulder girdle and has no characteristic symptoms, although during the rupture the person experiences severe pain in the shoulder.
This injury is practically asymptomatic - the person complains only of pain when moving in the shoulder joint, as well as slight swelling. Very often, rupture of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus tendons is not diagnosed, considering that the person is simply faking his symptoms.
Treatment of this pathology with mild damage (tears) is conservative and consists of maximum fixation of the shoulder girdle until the injured areas are restored.
Note that other tendons of the shoulder girdle are less susceptible to injury because they are located in places where it is difficult to apply excessive load or create tension.
General principles of treatment
In the case of an injury such as a rupture of the quadriceps femoris tendon, or in the case of injuries to the tendons of the shoulder girdle, the treatment of this pathology will be the same. It consists of providing first aid - immobilization of the injured limb, general anesthesia (painkillers) and transporting the victim to the hospital.
After examination by a doctor, either conservative treatment is prescribed, as in cases with injuries to the flexor or extensor tendons of the phalanges, or surgical treatment, as in the case of such a pathology as rupture of the tendons of the quadriceps femoris muscle.
Surgical treatment consists of the surgeon stitching the torn tendons together, and sometimes, in the presence of open injuries, performing preliminary surgical treatment of the wounds. In this case, fusion occurs no earlier than two months after the operation, but a person can regain working capacity in 3–4 months - it all depends on the complexity of the injury.
Rehabilitation
In all cases, after tendon ruptures, patients are prescribed rehabilitation aimed at restoring functions lost by joints and ligaments. Rehabilitation includes physical therapy, massage, dosed stress on the joints, as well as various thermal procedures.
The prognosis in most cases is favorable - a person can make a full recovery. And only with complex injuries is there a possibility of residual effects, manifested in the form of limited mobility in the affected joints. Recovery usually takes up to six months, but it all depends on the severity of the injury.
Sprains and ruptures of ligaments and tendons are the most common injuries that can be sustained while on vacation or while playing sports. Regardless of the severity, the resulting injury brings a lot of discomfort, limiting the victim’s ability to work.
Which is correct – rupture or sprain of ligaments and tendons?
In order to understand this issue, you need to know what ligaments and tendons are and what they consist of.
Ligaments are dense bundles of connective tissue that connect bones to each other in the joint area. They support and strengthen the joint, limiting excessive movements.
Tendons are like cords and attach our muscles to our bones. The main task of tendons is to transmit movements performed by muscles to the bones.
Tendons consist of 95% of very strong collagen fibers that cannot stretch and only 5% of elastic fibers that can stretch during movement.
In ligaments, the ratio of collagen and elastin varies depending on their location in the body, age and physical training (athletes have more elastic fibers). Under any conditions, the predominant component in the structure of ligaments is collagen fibers, and the most elastic ligaments in our body do not stretch more than 5% of their length.
Thus, when the amplitude of movements exceeds the physiological norm, the ligaments and tendons do not stretch, but are torn.
“Sprain” is commonly understood as tears or ruptures of individual fibers, in which the ligament or tendon remains intact.
Causes and risk factors
Damage to the ligament occurs during sudden, unnatural movements in the limbs. The joint moves out of its normal position, and the ligament supporting the joint becomes torn or completely torn. Of all the joints, the most common sprains occur in the ankle, knee, elbow, wrist, and thumb. In most cases, this occurs during a fall on a straight arm, sudden rotation movements in the knee, twisting of the leg when walking, running, etc.
There are two types of tendon damage:
1)spicy– occurs directly due to injury: lifting heavy objects, falling on ice, sharp throw, jump, etc.
2) chronic– most often develops in athletes due to excessive, continuous loads on the tendons: tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow; jumper's knee and others.
The most vulnerable tendon in the body is the Achilles tendon. which is more often than others exposed to excessive physical activity. Less common are ruptures of other tendons: biceps brachii (biceps); knee; hip flexors; quadriceps femoris (quadriceps), back muscles.
Absolutely anyone can get injured in their ligaments and tendons. but the risk is increased in people:
- overweight;
- having neurological diseases or gait disorders;
- athletes;
- have had ligament or tendon damage in the past;
- those who do not properly warm up before training;
- wearing inappropriate shoes;
Symptoms
Symptoms indicating ligament damage:
Sharp pain at the time of injury;
Swelling appears immediately or after some time (depending on the degree of injury, swelling may be limited to the ligament area or spread to the entire joint and its limits);
Bleeding under the skin;
Impaired functioning of the joint, pain occurs during its movement;
When a large number of fibers break, a pop can sometimes be heard;
There are 3 degrees of ligament damage:
1st degree (mild) – tear of several fibers of the ligament, while its integrity and functions are preserved; manifested by moderate pain and swelling in the area of the injured joint, there is no hemorrhage, there is no instability. Recovery time usually takes from 2 to 3 weeks.
Grade 2 (moderate) – most of the fibers of the ligament are torn; Immediately after the injury, intense pain, swelling, hemorrhage under the skin appears, slight instability occurs in the joint, and certain movements are limited. Recovery time is from 3 to 6 weeks.
3rd degree (severe) - complete rupture of the ligament; manifested by severe pain, swelling, hematoma, instability in the joint. Movements in the joint are sharply limited. With this degree, surgery is necessary, after which the rehabilitation period takes from 3 to 6 months.
Depending on the degree of tendon damage, a distinction is made between complete and partial ruptures. They are characterized by the following signs:
Acute pain that persists for a long time and intensifies with muscle strain;
If the tendons are completely ruptured, a click will be heard at the time of injury;
Swelling, sometimes hemorrhage;
With a complete rupture, a defect (pit) is formed in the damage area;
The muscle completely or partially loses its function.
Important: If you suspect you have sprained or torn a ligament/tendon, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Only a doctor is able to correctly diagnose and exclude other dangerous injuries: fracture, dislocation, muscle rupture, etc.
Diagnostics
When seeking medical help, the doctor will first ask you to describe your complaints. Next, he will ask about how and where the injury occurred, the date and time of the injury; these questions will help the doctor suggest one or another type of injury. The doctor will then examine the injured area, check for swelling, bruising, determine the intensity of pain when palpated, and move your limb to determine exactly which ligament or tendon was injured.
To exclude a fracture or other bone damage, you will definitely be prescribed x-rays, in exceptional cases - computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging.
Treatment
Treatment of sprains and tears takes place in 2 stages - initial and rehabilitation.
The first stage is initial
The purpose of this stage is to reduce inflammation and swelling, and prevent the development of complications.
![](https://i0.wp.com/sustav.med-ru.net/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Bez-nazvaniya-3.jpg)
What not to do?
During the first 48–72 hours you are contraindicated:
1) Drink alcohol. Alcoholic drinks dilate blood vessels and, as a result, increase swelling and bleeding, and slow down the healing and recovery processes.
2) Use heat. Do not take hot baths or saunas, or apply hot compresses, as this will increase swelling and bleeding.
3) Massage the damaged area. Direct massage of the injured area can worsen tissue damage. Indirect massage (away from the injury) can be helpful, but you should consult your doctor before using it.
4) Do physical exercise. Physical activity will increase the damage.
Treatment of grade 1–2 sprains and partial tendon damage is usually limited to resting the injured limb, followed by physical rehabilitation. In case of complete ruptures of ligaments and tendons, hospitalization of the victim in a hospital is required, with the use of surgical treatment methods, as well as the application of plaster casts.
Compresses are also used to treat sprains; you can read about how to apply a compress with dimexide
The second stage is rehabilitation
The second stage is aimed at restoring the full range of motion of the injured limb.
The physiotherapist will prescribe you physical therapy, UHF therapy, ultrasound, paraffin therapy, massage, etc. The duration of physical therapy will depend on the severity of the injury and the patient's willingness to follow the prescribed treatment.
Prevention
To avoid ligament and tendon injuries, Observe the following rules:
- Exercise regularly.
- Choose the right shoes especially for sports.
- Necessarily do a warm-up before playing sports and stretching after finishing a workout.
- Observe diet rich in protein and calcium.
- During active physical activity put on bandages joint fixators, which will help avoid injury or protect an already injured joint from repeated damage.
- be careful outdoors, at home, during icy conditions, avoid uneven surfaces.
A tendon rupture in the leg can occur in professional athletes or in ordinary people due to household injuries. Tear of the ligaments and tendons of the lower extremities is observed quite often and its occurrence is associated with increased load. If you do not consult a doctor, the sprain and rupture take a long time to heal, and complications often arise due to which the patient is unable to move normally.
What is the reason for the gap?
In women, the injury often occurs when walking quickly in high heels.
An injury in which a person ruptures a tendon can occur at any time. Mostly, the pathology is diagnosed with mechanical damage to the foot or other part of the leg. The main causes of tendon rupture:
- Squats while lifting a heavy object. Often such damage is observed in weightlifters who lift barbells. To prevent rupture, you should warm up the muscles for a long time.
- Falls that result in a person landing incorrectly on their foot and tearing a tendon.
- Sudden movements in which the foot cannot withstand the load.
- Intense physical training.
- Uncomfortable shoes.
- Congenital tendon weakness.
- Anomalies in the structure of the legs, as a result of which the load is unevenly distributed.
- Deviations of the musculoskeletal system.
Classification
Tendon sprains and ruptures in the leg area are divided into several types. The most common classification of injury is based on the location of the pathological process. The table shows common places of ruptures and their features:
![](https://i1.wp.com/etosustav.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/vivih-stopi.jpg)
In addition, it is customary to divide a gap in a person’s foot according to etiology:
- Degenerative. Injury to the major or minor tendon is a consequence of wear and tear that occurs as the body ages. Mostly this type of sprain occurs in patients over 40 years of age.
- Traumatic. The rupture is associated with a fall, sudden movement or excessive physical activity, which increases pressure on the legs. This type of injury to the tendons of the lower limb is characterized by a sudden appearance and severe pain.
Clinical picture
How does it manifest?
In each patient, rupture of the tendons of the finger or other areas of the leg manifests itself differently, which is related to the extent of the damage. If the damage is mild, the patient may not pay much attention to the stretched tendon. Pathology comes in 3 stages, which are shown in the table:
It is quite difficult to treat the last degree of deviation, in which the gap does not heal for a long time. Often it is necessary to have surgery.
Characteristic symptoms of a tendon rupture in the leg
A tendon rupture in the leg area manifests itself with various pathological signs that are difficult to ignore. The clinical picture of the pathology is as follows:
![](https://i1.wp.com/etosustav.ru/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/temperatura.jpg)
How to provide first aid?
If a tendon ruptures in the leg area, the patient should know what actions to take to alleviate the condition:
- Shoes and socks are removed, which reduces pressure on the site of swelling.
- Rest is ensured and a cushion is placed under the limb.
- To improve blood flow, place the leg above the level of the heart.
- Apply a cold compress to the sore spot, wrapping ice cubes in a thick cloth.
- Take a painkiller.
Why is it dangerous?
With timely treatment, such damage to the leg goes away easily and recovery is not complicated. If treatment is not started on time, then serious complications are possible. The most dangerous consequence of a tendon rupture in the lower extremity is the complete inability to perform all functions. In this case, the patient cannot move normally independently.
Bleeding when stretched
Tendon stretch levels
There are 3 difficulty levels:
Pressure bandage with elastic bandage
Damage levels are distinguished:
- Tear of the entire foot ligament.
- physiotherapy;
- therapeutic physical culture.
Cold compress to the leg
Traditional treatment
It is no secret that the tendon in the leg plays a determining factor in a person’s physical activity, and if something happens to it (inflammation, sprain or rupture), this significantly limits our freedom of action. That is why information about why this happens, how to avoid it, and also how to treat such an ailment is very relevant.
What is a tendon and what are its main functions?
Tendons in the leg are structures of connective tissue that are attached to bone and muscle. Their main function is to ensure the normal placement and stable performance of all organs. In addition, they guide joint movement. As a rule, the concept of “stretching” does not entirely correspond to reality, since the tendons themselves cannot stretch due to the fact that they do not have the necessary elasticity and predisposition to this. In fact, their complete or partial rupture occurs.
Causes of tendon damage
Statistics show that pain in the tendons of the legs occurs for the following reasons:
- Various falls;
- Sharp turns of the foot when moving over rough terrain. It is also worth considering that half of the complaints about ligament rupture come from women after walking quickly in heels.
- Intense sports;
- Wearing uncomfortable shoes;
- Arthritis;
- Congenital weak tendons;
- Non-standard placement and, accordingly, further uneven development of the components of the musculoskeletal system. To put it in accessible language - different lengths of limbs.
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
- Various infections.
In addition, a tendon rupture in the leg is often called a “sports disease”, since almost 70% of requests come from athletes.
Types of sprains
As practice shows, the causes of sprains are divided into 2 types. And if the first type (degenerative) includes those caused by wear and tear of tendons that occurs due to aging of the whole organism and, most often, are diagnosed in people over 40 years old, then the second type (traumatic) includes ruptures that occur as a result of various falls, sudden movements or lifting excessive weight. A distinctive feature of the latter type of sprains is that they occur suddenly and are characterized by severe pain.
There is also a division into categories depending on the damage caused to each individual ligament.
A tendon sprain in the leg manifests itself as follows:
- Severe pain both in a calm state and during the performance of not very complex actions;
- Quite limited movements near the source of pain (it is impossible to bend or straighten the leg);
- Increase in temperature;
- Bluish skin tone;
- Changes in the outer contour of the joint located in close proximity to the likely site of the sprain;
- Various swelling;
- Sound accompaniment (clicking, crunching) during an attempt to move the injured leg;
- A feeling of tingling and numbness in the area where you are experiencing pain.
But it is worth considering that symptoms indicating that the tendons in the legs hurt may also have their own specific signs inherent in each specific type of rupture.
Meniscal damage
As a rule, a tendon rupture in the leg accompanied by a fracture is one of the main symptoms of a meniscus injury. Most often, such problems arise in athletes, which brings them a sufficient number of problems. But due to the similarity of symptoms, it is not always possible to immediately make the correct diagnosis. Its only distinguishing feature is severe pain when trying to straighten a bent leg.
Ankle sprain
Damage to the ankle is indicated by severe swelling, and when the weight of the body is transferred to the injured leg, a sharp pain occurs, which increases with movement. In addition, if injury is suspected, a “drawer” inspection may be required. In this case, the shin is held firmly below with one hand, and in the meantime, with the help of the second hand, they very carefully press on the back of the foot, ensuring that it moves forward. If the initial diagnosis is correct, then she will change her location without much effort. There is also a high probability of detecting blood in the area of the bruise.
Remember, a tendon sprain on the leg can be either subtle (usually goes away within a few days) or pronounced (in this case, immediate assistance from a specialist is required).
Diagnostics
As a rule, to complete the picture, the doctor conducts an initial survey of the patient about what exactly happened to him and what feelings he experienced at that moment. If a person complains of pain in the tendons of the legs, then the healthy leg is examined first. This is done with the aim of familiarizing the patient with the examination procedure itself and in the future, when the turn comes to the sore leg, he is already subconsciously ready for what comes next. As a result, the patient perceives all the doctor’s manipulations relatively calmly. Also, this approach allows the doctor to compare the results that he obtained during the examination of the patient’s legs, which will greatly facilitate the diagnosis in the future.
In addition, the specialist will prescribe additional studies to finally confirm or refute the initial diagnosis. These include:
- Computed tomography, which allows not only to confirm the diagnosis, but also to track the effectiveness of the treatment.
- Magnetic resonance imaging. This type of examination allows us to obtain very accurate information not only about which tendon in the leg is damaged, but also how many fibers are torn.
- X-ray examination. Its use makes it possible to identify the possibility of complications (fractures and dislocations).
- Ultrasound examination of the damaged organ.
First aid if a tendon in the leg is torn
As practice shows, when such a nuisance happens, the nearest medical facility is several kilometers away. Therefore, in order for further treatment to be successful and without possible complications, it is necessary to provide the victim with first aid, which includes the following manipulations:
- Freeing the sore leg from shoes and socks, which will reduce pressure on the swollen area.
- Providing rest to the damaged area, which will slightly distract the person from the fact that the tendons in his legs hurt.
- Creating a special backing from fabric folded several times and placing it under the damaged area.
- Raising the leg to the maximum possible height (usually up to the heart area), which improves blood flow several times.
- Applying ice or a piece of cloth previously soaked in cold water to the damaged area. But, if the situation allows, then it is better not to resort to the last option. It is recommended to place a piece of ice on top of a dry cloth to prevent soft tissue necrosis, which can occur due to severe frostbite. Ice should be applied in the first two hours after injury at intervals of 20 minutes. Next, two hours during the first day will be enough.
Remember that the speed of further recovery may depend on how these procedures are carried out. In addition, in case of intense pain, it is recommended to take painkillers.
Treatment of leg tendons
Depending on the degree of sprain, various therapeutic measures are prescribed. For example, a partial rupture of the ligaments (grade 1) requires conservative treatment, in which a special bandage is applied to the damaged area using an elastic bandage, limiting the mobility of the joints. The period of wearing it varies from 3 to 5 days. In addition, medications that relieve inflammation may be prescribed. If, for example, the tendon of the big toe is torn, the patient is instructed to use a special toe brace and, if necessary, painkiller injections. In addition, to increase the outflow of venous blood, it is recommended to smear the damaged area with Troxevasin gel.
With fairly pronounced pain, swelling and limited movement of the joints (grade 2), immobilization of the joints should be longer (up to two weeks). In addition, it is best to keep your leg elevated for the first 3 days. As mentioned, ice should only be applied in the first 24 hours. The gel can be used the same as in the previous case.
If, after the injury, very severe pain is observed, the inability to make even the slightest movement of the joint (grade 3), then in this case it may be necessary to apply a plaster cast or even surgery on the tendon of the leg. The period of leg immobilization can last more than a month (depending on the severity of the injury). During this time, painkillers and injections are taken.
What could be the consequences?
As a rule, the prognosis after treatment is quite favorable if therapy was started on time. Otherwise, the tendon in the leg may almost completely cease to perform its function, which, in turn, will seriously affect a person’s mobility.
Recovery exercises
To restore joint mobility after an injury, after treatment is completed, special restorative procedures are prescribed, which include:
- Walking in comfortable shoes, but it should occur with a soft roll from heel to toe. Particular attention should be paid to the fact that you do not need to turn the sock outward very much.
- Half squats on the toes with further raising of the toes and their subsequent return to the starting position.
- In addition, it is worth spending time on certain exercises in water, since in these conditions it is possible to work out the damaged tendon without loading it with excess weight.
The main thing is to understand that with timely access to the appropriate medical institution, you can minimize both the treatment process and subsequent rehabilitation.
Tendon sprains on the leg can be caused by various situations, and in order to avoid possible consequences and complications in the future, it is recommended to undergo examination in a hospital and, if necessary, qualified treatment. A person’s motor activity largely depends on the proper functioning of the tendons in the arms and legs. They are the ones that connect muscle fibers to bones and allow you to perform a fairly large number of movements. Tendon sprains, both in the arms and legs, not only cause severe pain, but also significantly limit a person’s mobility. You can prevent such an injury if you start actively playing sports from a young age.
Tendons are connective tissue that attaches muscles to bones. In medicine, the following types of tendons are distinguished:
The largest number of tendons is located in the lower extremities: feet, pelvis, area under the knees. Depending on their location, some fibers bear minimal stress, while others may be subject to excessive stretching on a daily basis, increasing the risk of injury.
In the event of a stretch, only some of the fibers from the large bundle are damaged, resulting in a slight increase in tendon tissue. A more serious injury is considered to be tendon rupture, which can occur due to high stress during rotation of the limb.
A tendon injury can occur under a variety of circumstances, but the most common are:
- awkward falls;
- dislocation of any limb;
- heavy loads when playing sports.
Also, rupture or stretching of the tendon often occurs in older people, since with age the strength of connective tissues decreases significantly, which increases the risk of injury. To avoid complications from such damage, it is imperative to undergo examination at a qualified medical institution. Only an experienced doctor will be able to make an accurate diagnosis and prescribe appropriate treatment.
Diseases
Damage to ligaments can occur not only through intense physical exertion, but also due to certain diseases that significantly reduce the elasticity and strength of ligament fibers. If, after a medical examination, it is discovered that the patient has been diagnosed with diseases such as paratenonitis or tendinitis, it is imperative to protect the ligaments from possible overstrain. Such pathologies greatly increase the risk of sprains or ligament tears.
- Parathenotitis - in the case of this disease, the fiber that is located around the tendons becomes inflamed. The cause of this disease can be very frequent, but small hemorrhages in the area of the tissue. After some time, they accumulate, resulting in swelling and compaction in the tendon area. Most often, the formation of parathenotitis is observed in the lower extremities.
- Tendonitis is the name given to inflammation of the tendons, which occurs due to strong and prolonged stress on the muscles. In this case, the ligaments lose their strength, making them very easy to damage. Typically, this pathology affects athletes who spend most of their time in the gym, lifting heavy weights. Also, the cause of tendonitis can be complications after any infectious disease or rheumatism.
During the treatment of tendon sprains in the hospital, physiotherapeutic procedures may be prescribed in combination with the use of antibacterial drugs. You can also prevent possible stretching due to inflammation of the tendons with the help of strengthening therapy.
Classification
Usually, a tendon strain occurs due to some kind of injury caused by awkward movement or excessive strain on the muscles. Athletes are at increased risk, but you can also strain tendons in your leg or arm at home. In medicine, there are several degrees of severity of sprains:
- The first (mild) degree is a minor injury, in which only a few fibers in the ligament are injured, and all the rest remain unharmed. With such damage, the patient experiences swelling at the site of the injury and mild pain. This sprain should be treated for 1-1.5 weeks.
- Second (medium) degree - in this case, most of the connecting fibers are torn. A moderate sprain is characterized by a significant limitation of joint mobility with moderate pain. Bruising may also be observed at the site of the injury. Treatment for this damage can last within one month.
- The third (severe) degree is a complete rupture of all tendon fibers, as a result of which the patient’s motor activity at the site of the injury is completely impaired. The pain syndrome is pronounced, and swelling and bruising form at the site of injury. Treatment takes about two months, and in case of complications, surgery is possible.
First degree sprains are usually treated successfully without any consequences. With more complex injuries, small nodules may form in the damaged area, which will further create discomfort for the victim with frequent inflammation and chronic pain. If after an accident you experience symptoms indicating a tendon injury, you should definitely go to the hospital for further diagnosis and treatment. Without qualified assistance from medical personnel, the nerve endings may grow together incorrectly, as a result of which the sensitivity of the injured limb may be significantly impaired and chronic pain may occur.
For mild sprains, treatment can be done at home through immobilization. To do this, you must comply with several simple conditions:
- Wear an orthopedic bandage that will hold the joint in one position;
- In the first few days after the injury occurs, adhere to bed rest and do not strain the tendon too much;
- To relieve swelling and reduce pain, apply cold to the injured area, for example, bags of ice from the refrigerator;
- Treat the injured area with medicinal ointments.
When a moderate or severe injury occurs, the doctor completely immobilizes the joint and prescribes painkillers. In this case, treatment is carried out in a hospital setting under the supervision of doctors. After prolonged immobilization, it is imperative to undergo rehabilitation to restore the functionality of the joint.
Rehabilitation measures include the following:
- physiotherapy;
- therapeutic exercises (therapeutic gymnastics);
- massage.
After fusion, the tendon is still very weak, so during rehabilitation measures it is necessary to start with minimal loads. Full recovery after a complete ligament rupture can take a long time, from six months to several years.
Achilles tendon
The Achilles tendon is located in the back of the foot, which, despite its elasticity and strength, is very often subject to injury. The fact is that it is this area that receives a large amount of load while walking. The damage may be caused by an awkward jump, fall, or rotation of the foot. Typically, the distal joint, which is located near the heel, is stretched.
Due to a strong blow, the Achilles tendon can rupture, which is a very serious third-degree injury. It can be caused by running very fast, jumping awkwardly from a great height, or spraining your ankle. Such an injury is characterized by a sharp and very intense pain syndrome, swelling, bruising in the area of injury and significantly limited joint mobility.
In this case, the patient will not even be able to stand on his toes. He must be immediately hospitalized at the nearest trauma center, where he will be examined by a doctor and further treatment prescribed. Typically, therapy consists of applying a splint to the injured limb, but for very serious ruptures, surgical treatment is possible. If therapy is carried out through prolonged immobilization, the joint may completely lose its functionality during immobilization, so doctors are increasingly resorting to surgical methods that help recover in a shorter period of time.
Flexor tendons
The tendons of the fingers and flexors of the hand are also often stretched. Most often, such injuries occur during production work, but can also occur at home. Such injuries can be either closed or open with the presence or absence of associated injuries. A patient with damage to the flexor tendons is unable to make a fist or grasp anything, and when trying to move the fingers, acute pain will occur. Symptoms of this injury also include bruising, swelling and redness.
Depending on how severe the injury is, its treatment can be either surgical or conservative methods using immobilization for one or two months and the use of medications. A rupture of a finger or hand tendon can be quickly and effectively repaired using a special operation, during which the doctor treats the wound and places a special suture on the injured tendon. If the damage is already old and the previous treatment was unskilled, it is possible to replace the entire ligament with an artificial implant, or another part of the ligament.
Prevention
To prevent ligament and muscle sprains, you should monitor your lifestyle. He should be moderately active, exercise regularly and wear only comfortable clothes and shoes. It is also worth paying attention to nutrition, it must be correct and balanced. To develop flexibility and elasticity, as well as good muscle stretching, it is recommended to perform a special type of aerobics exercise called Stretching. You can do this type of gymnastics at absolutely any age, regardless of your level of physical fitness. By taking proper care of your health and fitness, you can not only prevent sprains, but also many other injuries that people experience in a variety of circumstances.
The tendon structure begins to rapidly strengthen only after the age of 15. It is during the period of 15-25 years that they should be trained especially seriously to ensure strength and elasticity. The occurrence of a tendon sprain in the leg and other damage to the joints depends on the extent to which the body has been prepared for physical activity.
Tendons are a bundle of fibers of dense connective tissue that is a continuation of the muscle structure and are designed to connect muscle to bone. According to their structure, they are short and long, narrow and wide, lamellar, round and cord-like.
The main accumulation of tendons on the leg is observed in the area of the foot, knee and popliteal region, and hip area. All of them are loaded to varying degrees, and, accordingly, the risk of their damage is different. The main protection of these elements is provided by the high elasticity of the fibers in the longitudinal direction, which for a long time protects them from rupture during sudden motor impulses and overloads.
Causes of tendon strain
In fact, a tendon strain is an injury in which there is a very small increase in the length (stretching) of the fibers, and the main damage is caused by the rupture of individual fibers in a bundle or an individual bundle in a multi-bundle system while maintaining the integrity of others. Unlike a sprain, a tendon rupture involves the destruction of all fibers at the same time.
Tendon fibers have very high strength, but they are designed for a specific direction of movement and cannot withstand loads in an abnormal direction. Thus, a hamstring strain often occurs when a heavy load of torque is applied to the knee, although the ligament is designed for bending movements and does not withstand twisting well. The stretching mechanism is similar in other joints.
In addition, despite the strength of the structure, there is a maximum load, exceeding which leads to damage to the element. With age, any person experiences aging of body tissues, which reduces the strength of connective fibers.
An important reason that reduces the elasticity of fibers and increases the risk of stretching is inflammatory diseases of the tendons: tendinitis and paratenonitis. The most common is tendinitis, which is an inflammatory reaction to prolonged overload, causing degenerative changes in the structure, incl. frequent tears and cracks in the fibers. In addition, the disease may have an infectious etiology and a rheumatic basis. As the inflammatory process develops, the strength of fibrous tissue decreases significantly.
Paratenonitis is characterized by inflammation in the tissue located around the tendons. The main causes of the disease are injuries leading to hemorrhages into the tissue and the appearance of deposits of fibrous cells. As a result of the pathology, swelling, compaction, which interferes with movement, and pain appear. This disease most actively affects the Achilles tendon and the tendons of the calf muscles. The disease can occur in acute or chronic form. The main treatment for both diseases is physical therapy, as well as antibacterial and strengthening therapy.
Most often, a sprained tendon in the leg occurs due to an accidental sudden movement that creates a twisting motion in the associated joint when that joint is in a partially bent state. Such reasons are most typical for sports, but can also arise in everyday life. The injury is aggravated by the presence of additional vertical load in the form of a load. Three degrees of stretching are classified:
- Grade 1. The most common type of injury: a small number of fibers are torn, while the function of the tendon is preserved due to the integrity of the remaining tissue; the characteristic symptoms include only slight pain and mild swelling; treatment lasts 7-10 days.
- Degree 2. Rupture of a significant number of fascicles: there is limited movement of the joint, noticeable pain, bruising, swelling, and sometimes instability of the joint is noted; treatment – 20-40 days.
- Grade 3. Complete tendon rupture: severe pain, joint instability, impaired movement, severe bruising and swelling; Treatment takes more than 40 days, but surgical intervention is possible.
After eliminating the sprain, residual complications are possible in grades 2 and 3 injuries: on the restored fibers, nodules may appear at the site of the rupture, causing chronic inflammation.
The second option for side effects is unsuccessful fusion of nerve branches, which can cause tingling sensations.
Achilles tendon rupture
The Achilles tendon, which belongs to the elements of the foot, is the strongest tendon in the entire body, but it is also the one most often subject to stretching. This is due to heavy loads and frequent inadequate movements when exposed to load: jumping, falling, spinning, etc. Usually the area of the distal connection, located in the posterior zone of the tubercle of the calcaneus, is damaged.
Damage to the Achilles tendon is grade 3, which is associated with complete rupture of the tissue. The most typical actions leading to the appearance of pathology: a sharp turn of the foot when a sprinter starts from the starting block or a jump from a height when turning the foot during landing. The moment of rupture is felt as a sharp, strong blow to the ligament. The main symptoms: severe pain, hemorrhage in the lower part of the leg, severe swelling, and retraction of the skin occurs at the site of the rupture. The patient cannot stand up on his toes because the function of the foot movement is impaired.
Patellar tendon strain
A fairly common occurrence is a strain of the quadriceps femoris tendon, which is fixed to the lateral surface of the patella and to the tibia. The rupture occurs in the transverse direction slightly below the attachment to the patella. The rupture process is accompanied by a cracking sound and severe pain above the knee.
The main signs: retraction at the site of the rupture, tissue swelling, hemorrhage, protrusion of the semicircular muscle. The bending function of the lower leg disappears. If such a pathology occurs, a splint is applied, anesthesia is performed, and then the tendon fibers are sewn together. Rehabilitation treatment is carried out using physiotherapy. The gypsum splint lasts for 40 days.
Hamstring strain
The hamstring tendon runs between the outside of the femur and the inside of the tibia and is involved in coordinating the movement of the lower leg. When the tibia rotates abnormally, the tendon is stretched, which happens when the foot turns sharply inward or when quickly descending a slope. The damage is accompanied by piercing pain. A pronounced protrusion appears under the knee. When you try to bend your leg, an unbearable pain syndrome occurs in the knee joint.
Treatment of 1st degree damage can be carried out at home if the following conditions are met:
- use of a special orthopedic support to fix the joint;
- ensuring complete rest for 2-3 days after injury;
- use an ice compress for 15 minutes every 3 hours;
- ensuring an elevated location of the damaged joint;
- use of medicinal ointments.
Drug therapy is carried out using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen, diclofenac). You can use ointments based on these products. Combination treatment with additional prescription of opioid analgesics (codeine) is more effective. Treatment of grade 2 and 3 injuries is carried out only in a hospital. Rate this article: Loading…
Stretching tendons– this is an injury to ligaments or muscles, which can be caused by sudden lifting of weights, strong tension, or uncomfortable, sudden movement. As a rule, it is accompanied by pain and immobility of the affected joint. The more ligaments are damaged, the stronger the pain. To alleviate suffering and prevent the development of complications, first aid must be provided.
- Ice, vodka or alcohol, iodine, honey, cabbage leaf, salt, plantain seeds.
Instructions Immobilize the injured limb as much as possible. Try to find a comfortable position that does not cause discomfort. It is better to place the damaged joint on an elevation. Do not expose it to stress in the near future. The muscles should completely relax. Immediately after injury
tendons need using cold compresses or ice. Dampen a cloth with cold water or wrap ice in it and apply to the sore spot. As they heat up they need to be changed. Apply a tight, compressive bandage to the injured limb. The less you move it, the faster the pain will go away and recovery will occur. Periodically massage and rub the sore area. This helps increase blood circulation and relax tense muscles. Movements should be soft and directed from bottom to top. For greater effect, you can rub with vodka or alcohol (just never use undiluted, as it can cause skin burns). Apply iodine mesh to the injured joint morning and evening. After 4 days, you can begin to treat the sprain
tendons using thermal procedures. Under the influence of heat, swelling resolves, inflammation of soft tissues disappears and pain decreases. You need to steam your feet in hot water 2 times a day for 20 minutes. For greater effect, prepare a decoction of salted pine needles. Make a honey compress. Apply a layer of natural bee honey to the damaged joint and place a cabbage leaf on top, after pouring boiling water over it and sprinkling with salt. If
tendons occur often, then a decoction will help strengthen the ligaments. To prepare it you need to brew 2 tbsp. l. plantain seeds in 1 liter of water. Take it 3 times a day, 2 tbsp. Sources:
- treatment for tendon sprain
Every person has probably experienced a sprained ligament at least once in their life. Everyone knows that this is a very unpleasant and painful condition. This article will talk about what a sprained ligament in the leg is and how you can cope with this problem.
What it is?
Initially, I would like to understand the main terms used in this article.
- A ligament is a special collection of connective tissue that strengthens a joint.
- What is a sprained ligament in the leg? This is a partial or complete rupture of the ligament. This occurs due to the action of the joint on the affected ligamentous apparatus.
It is worth knowing that the problem can be completely different. Either one ligament or several can be stretched. If we talk about the legs, the ankle joint is most often injured, less often the knee joint.
How can you tell if someone has a sprained leg? Symptoms are what you need to pay special attention to. How will a person feel about this problem? Here it is worth saying that there are three main degrees of stretching. Depending on this, the indicators will vary.
First degree
If a person has a grade 1 sprain in their leg, the injury will be mild. The tendons may only be partially torn. In this case, the pain will not be severe, motor activity is most often not impaired, and the mobility of the leg is preserved. If there is swelling, it will be completely insignificant. To cope with the problem in this case, you just need to give your leg rest, without loading it for a while.
Second degree stretch
If the patient has a grade 2 sprain in the leg, the symptoms will be mild. In this case, rupture of the ligamentous fibers is also observed. In some cases, it also happens that the capsule itself is damaged. The main symptoms in this case:
- Severe pain.
- Swelling at the site of injury.
- Hemorrhages, i.e. bruises that will be observed under the skin at the site of injury.
- Movements will be accompanied by severe pain. In some cases, joint mobility is impaired.
Third degree damage
The third degree is a severe sprain of the ligaments in the leg. In this case, tendon rupture also occurs. How will the patient feel?
- There will be severe swelling at the site of injury, as well as hyperemia (overflow of the injury site with blood).
- Pathological joint mobility may appear.
- The bruising is extensive and hematomas occur.
It is worth saying here that such ligament injuries most often require the intervention of a surgeon. In this case, the recovery process will be quite long and can take up to six months.
The patient may also have a sprained toe. In this case, the symptoms will be the same, but the pain will be concentrated in only one finger.
Symptoms that require immediate medical attention
In what cases should a patient with a sprain immediately consult a doctor?
- If the pain in the leg is very severe, it interferes with normal movement.
- When there is a feeling of numbness in the affected area.
- If an extensive hematoma or bruise occurs at the site of the lesion.
- If there is a loss of motor activity of the joint.
- When a cracking sound occurs in a joint during physical activity.
- When there is an increase in body temperature, chills, i.e., a febrile syndrome is observed.
It is also necessary to see a doctor if, a few days after the injury to the leg ligaments, the symptoms have not disappeared and the patient’s well-being has not improved.
First aid
What should be done first if a person sprains a ligament in his leg? The procedure is as follows:
- Place an ice pack on the sprain site. This will help relieve pain and swelling.
- Next, the damaged area should be wrapped with an elastic bandage.
- To relieve swelling, you can elevate the injured joint above the level of your heart. After this, the blood will recede from the site of injury.
- To relieve pain, you can take any painkiller.
Diagnostics
How can you tell if a patient has a sprained big toe, knee or ankle? To do this, of course, you need to go to see a doctor. What will the specialist do? First of all, he will examine the patient. Next, he may send you for an x-ray to rule out a fracture or identify possible bone displacement. If the ligaments are torn, surgery may be necessary.
You definitely need to talk about how to treat a sprained leg. What can be used for this and what can the doctor advise in this case? Treatment will vary depending on the extent of the damage.
First degree. In this case, an elastic bandage is applied for about 2-3 days. Ice is applied on the first day. Next you can start applying heat. This is necessary to heal the ligaments and improve blood supply to the affected area. After three days you need to start working out the joint. In this case, you can also use external painkillers such as Voltaren or Diklak ointment. To improve venous outflow, the affected areas can be lubricated with Troxevasin or Lyoton-gel ointment.
Second degree. In this case, the joint will need to be immobilized for 2-3 weeks. In the first three days, the leg should be raised above the level of the heart as often as possible. Ice should be applied for the first 24 hours, then dry heat is recommended. The same ointments should be used. However, in some cases, additional pain relief with tablets or injections may be necessary. The load on the affected area should be abandoned. After the immobilization is removed, you will need to visit the physical therapy room. The recovery process will take at least 1 month.
Third degree. In this case, either surgery or a plaster cast is often required. Immobilization alone will be needed for about 1 month. All exercises and treatment are prescribed by a doctor, the recovery process occurs under his supervision and can last for six months.
Traditional methods of treatment
What else can you do if a person has a sprained leg? Treatment can be not only medication. In this case, various folk methods help greatly. However, it is still better to remember that all procedures must be performed with the permission of a doctor. Otherwise, you can greatly harm your health and only worsen the situation.
- Raw potatoes. It needs to be grated and the resulting pulp applied to the sore spot. Such procedures must be done several times a day. Duration – 10-15 minutes.
- Clay. It needs to be diluted to the consistency of sour cream, then placed in linen cloth and applied to the sore spot, securing with an elastic bandage, for about 2 hours.
- Aloe. You need to chop the leaves of this plant, apply it to the affected area, and wrap it with an elastic bandage. When the mixture heats up, it must be replaced with a new one. This remedy helps especially well in the first few days after the problem occurs.
- If a ligament rupture occurs, you can use a remedy made from unripe elderberries. A handful of them should be filled with 5 liters of water, adding a tablespoon of soda. The cooled and unstrained broth should be used to periodically rinse the affected area.
- Milk compresses are also great for a wide variety of sprains. To do this, fold the gauze in four, soak it in hot milk and apply it to the affected area. Cotton wool and compress paper are applied on top. The application needs to be changed as it cools.
Prevention
Everyone knows that it is better to prevent a problem than to get rid of it in the future. What measures exist to prevent leg sprains?
- You need to wear comfortable clothes and shoes.
- It is necessary to carefully monitor the uneven surfaces on which a person walks.
- Very often, excess weight causes increased stress on the joints.
- You need to regularly strengthen your muscles and ligaments.
By following these simple preventive measures, you can avoid problems such as sprained ligaments in your legs.
Tendons are of considerable importance in the formation of the motor process in the arms and legs and serve as a connection between muscles and bones. Stretching a tendon in the leg creates a lot of difficulties: in addition to pain, a person is limited in movement. Muscle reliability is largely determined by training and fiber development.
A strain is an injury to muscles and tendons. Strain occurs when the stress on the tissue exceeds its flexibility. This is a common injury among athletes. People whose profession is closely related to heavy physical activity are also not insured.
It is possible to stretch muscles and tendons after falling, lifting a heavy object, or while running. The cause of a sprain will be an imprudent sudden movement, incorrectly performed exercises, a twisted leg while running, or any everyday blow.
Symptoms of a tendon sprain in the leg
Immediately after the injury, intense pain appears in the area of the damaged ligament. After a certain amount of time, swelling forms and the heel becomes reddish in color. If the ankle tendons are damaged, the ankle becomes swollen.
Another sign is the occurrence of bleeding in the area of impact. There is damage in the joint, the victim will not be able to step on his heels or will limp while walking from unbearable pain.
How many painful symptoms occur depends on the severity of the damage. With a less severe degree of heel sprain, the symptoms are insignificant. Often the only indicator is pain in the foot when walking, which gradually weakens. The average degree is characterized by a noticeable tear of the ligament, and the pain and bruising intensify.
In severe cases, the tendon is completely ruptured. The leg actually loses activity, movements are extremely difficult. The foot swells and feels unwell, as if broken, even when inactive.
A stretch of the tendon called Achilles tendon occurs if the muscles are not warm enough during the exercise. It occurs when wearing uncomfortable shoes or walking on an uneven surface.
Tendon stretch levels
There are 3 difficulty levels:
- Level I – minor pain after injury, aggravated during physical exercise.
- Level II – severe pain, a bruise appears over the damaged tendon. Muscle weakness appears and pain worsens during exercise.
- Level III - complete or incomplete rupture of the ligament, muscle contraction occurs, also with dislocation. At the moment of rupture, there is a popping sound, sharp, intense pain and bruising.
It is accepted that the third level is restored surgically, then an elastic fixator is necessarily applied to the damaged joint. Victims at levels I and II often do not pay attention to treatment, earning complications. Ignoring the violation is fraught with the possibility of impotence in the muscles and the formation of suppuration in the tendon inside. As a rule, a similar phenomenon is observed in muscle tendons and is called tenosynovitis.
First aid measures for damaged leg tendons
If, as a result of an injury, signs of a sprained foot ligament appear, you must immediately stop moving. It is better to lie down with an object under your leg. Cold should be applied to the sore ankle. Actions will help stop the formation of a strong bruise and reduce pain.
When an ankle is broken, symptoms include severe pain, loss of joint mobility, numbness of the injured limb, nausea, chills and a feeling of cold.
For mild sprains, an elastic bandage with little fixation is used. A warming compress, the role of which is intended to be a bandage, has a beneficial effect on damaged ligaments.
Prolonged inflammation is aggravated by an atrophic effect, which has a great influence on the clarification of the ligaments; they are easily torn with minor loads. When the tendons of the foot are sprained, the first step is to immobilize and fix the leg in an elevated state, using a special fixator. Then you need to apply cold for 20-30 minutes. Later, a pressure bandage with an elastic bandage is applied to prevent the bruise from spreading.
Cold exposure will stop hemorrhage from diseased vessels. Diclofenac and analgin can relieve pain better than other drugs. In the following days, when the inflammation and bruising subside without the formation of a tumor, thermal procedures are used during the recovery period. The influence of heat will cause bleeding, and the damage will quickly heal. It is productive to use anti-inflammatory ointments, such as Finalgon, Efkamon, and Voltaren.
If you have bruises or sprains, you should not hover your leg. This will make the injury worse.
Ligaments can recover quickly with complete rest, as a result of eating food enriched with proteins. Two weeks later, under the supervision of a doctor, with the support of a set of procedures, more loads are placed on the sore muscle. Mechanical damage occurs due to direct or indirect exposure to a traumatic agent. During treatment, a plaster retainer is used to hold the joint at an angle of 170 degrees.
Impact from a blunt object is considered direct impact. Indirect – sudden muscle contraction. Internal injuries are distinguished by ruptures and, less commonly, dislocations. Unreasonable ruptures belong to internal injuries and occur with chronic injury and dystrophic changes in the structure of the tendons. The basis for the gap is infectious and toxic or metabolic and toxic conditions, for example, diabetes, infectious diseases.
Internal selective or complete ruptures without fracture of the cover are noted. Displacement of tendons due to torn ligaments results in bleeding, swelling and aching pain when you step on your heel. The dislocation is sometimes so severe that the symptoms are noticeable to the naked eye. Especially if the damage relates to the extensor hand of the fingers. Displacement is treated by reduction and immobilization. A plaster bandage is applied for 3-4 weeks.
Surgical intervention is performed for old and common dislocations, with severe painful injuries, with a clear modification of multifunctional activity. When a tendon ruptures, a loud cracking sound is always heard, then an unbearable painful sensation develops and a violation of the musculoskeletal function of the burst muscle. Open injuries can be traced with puncture or severed wounds, with serious injuries, or fractures.
Damage levels are distinguished:
- Tendon tear in the area of attachment.
- Tear of the entire foot ligament.
- Tear of the tendon in the area of transition into the muscle.
Treatment for sprained leg tendons
Before starting treatment for a sprained foot tendon, you need to make sure that there are no major defects or fractures.
The structure for healing damaged tendons is as follows:
- ensure leg immobility;
- taking painkillers;
- physiotherapy;
- therapeutic physical culture.
Treatment for mild to moderate fractures involves reducing the load on the heels. You can bandage the ankle joint area with an elastic bandage.
Insufficient tendon rupture requires recreational therapy. If you sprain your heel, you can take a cream with anti-inflammatory and analgesic elements and apply it near the sore spot. Analgesics are taken orally if there are no contraindications. If the pain is very severe, painkillers are administered intramuscularly.
In the initial days after injury, it is permissible to place cool bandages or ice near the wound. Cold prevents the bruise from increasing or reduces it, reducing painful feelings. When the swelling decreases slightly, the doctor prescribes physiotherapy.
Electrophoresis with anti-inflammatory substances, UHF treatment, magnetic treatment, ultrasound and other methods of physiotherapy that improve blood circulation and help reduce bruises and pain are prescribed. As a result, the tightening of diseased ligaments accelerates.
Gradually, the time comes for the foot to resume supporting function, and therapeutic exercises are allowed to be performed. Special procedures are prescribed by a doctor of therapeutic and physical education.
When a heel sprain is difficult, treatment is with surgery. The goal of the action is to restore the unity of the tendons by applying a suture. If a huge bruise forms in the area of the sprain, the procedure is postponed until the bruise and inflammation disappear. To stabilize the joint, a cast or a rigid ligament brace is applied. This latch consists of an anchor and threads. The anchor is attached to the bone, and the tendon is sutured with threads. Which fixator to use is chosen personally by the operating surgeon, but the patient is informed about the fixator used. Then the treatment is carried out using the previously mentioned methods.
When planning treatment for a heel sprain, it is important to note how long the damaged tendon is healing. With a mild level of tear, complete recovery is possible in 5-6 weeks; with a moderate or severe level, it will take four to five months or more. It is prescribed to exclude sports exercises, running and also heavy physical exercise, even in the absence of pain.
Traditional treatment
When the heel tendons are sprained, healing using traditional methods can sometimes replace physical therapy. Compress and cream will help remove the bruise and reduce pain.
The onion compress is prepared as follows: take 2 onions, peel and grate on a fine grater. Mix onion porridge with 3 tablespoons of salt. Spread the composition on gauze, cover it additionally, and place it on the swelling on the foot. The bandage is secured with a bandage and left for five to six hours. The bandage is done daily until the bruise is reduced to a minimum size. The bandage must be removed at night. In a similar way, a bandage is made with a mixture of small leaves of freshly picked wormwood.
Compress from elecampane decoction: take 2 tablespoons of dried elecampane, cut and pour boiling water, leave for a couple of hours. Moisten the compress in the prepared solution and apply it to the sore leg. Hold for no more than five hours.
Sand compress: you need to take a small amount of sand, heat it in a frying pan or in the oven. Take a bandage and pour ready-made warm sand into it. When warm, apply the bandage to the sore spot and keep it on for 10-20 minutes. The sand does not need to be heated too much to avoid burning the skin. Instead of sand, it is allowed to use table salt.
To reduce the bruise and inflammation, bodyaga will help a lot. Bodyaga powder needs to be mixed with non-hot boiled water to form a porridge, and make a drawing out of it on the sore spot. Bodyaga has a pronounced absorbable and anti-inflammatory effect.
A cold bandage with comfrey infusion will help relieve tendon stretching. Three teaspoons of well-chilled tincture are diluted in a glass of warm water, the bandage is moistened in the solution and applied to the sore spot.
In contact with
Muscle and tendon strains are the most common injury. Athletes and people whose work involves heavy physical activity are especially susceptible to it. But the cause of a sprain can be a careless, sudden movement, a twisted leg while walking, or any household bruise or injury.
The most dangerous injury is a sprain of the spinal ligaments. Most often it occurs in the cervical and lumbar region. Causes: heavy loads, sports, heavy lifting, careless movements.
How to recognize a sprain
Typically, symptoms of ligament damage appear immediately after the injury, but initially they may be mild:
- increasing pain;
- impaired motor function of the damaged part of the body;
- hemorrhage (often subcutaneous);
- swelling;
- unusually high mobility in the damaged joint indicates a ligament rupture.
What types of sprains are there?
There are three degrees of severity of a sprain:
- Grade I - slight pain due to rupture of several fibers of the ligament.
- Grade II - moderate pain, swelling and disability.
- Grade III - severe pain due to ligament rupture and subsequent instability of the joint.
A muscle strain, in turn, is a traumatic injury to the muscle fibers themselves or the connection between muscle and tendon, and is also classified into three degrees of severity:
- I - moderate.
- II - moderate degree of damage, associated with weakness of the affected muscle, its painful contraction.
- III - complete rupture of the connection between muscle and tendon, manifested by severe pain and the inability to contract the damaged muscle.
Complications of sprains
If you do not see a doctor in time when you sprain, joint instability, arthrosis, and myositis subsequently develop.
Complications from spinal sprains can include concussion of the spinal cord or hemorrhage into it.
How do we treat sprains?
Treatment of both complete and partial ligament injuries is aimed at restoring their integrity and mechanical strength.
In some cases, a tight bandage of the joint is necessary to immobilize it.
The mainstay of treatment is early pain relief and anti-inflammatory therapy for soft tissue injury, especially in cases of concomitant myositis. Methods used for this