injuries and poisoning
Achilles Tendon Tears
Treatment of Achilles Tendon Tears
Referral to an orthopedic surgeon For partial and complete tears, a splint or possibly a cast For some complete tears, surgery People with an Achilles tendon tear are usually referred to an orthopedic surgeon. For partial and complete tears, a short leg splint is applied to the injured leg in the emergency department. The splint holds the foot so that the toes are pointed down (called plantar flexion). This position prevents the Achilles tendon from stretching and helps the tear heal. The splint is worn for a short time. Then an orthopedic surgeon decides whether applying a cast or doing surgery to repair the tendon is better. People with an Achilles tendon tear should not put weight on the injured ankle and should use crutches. Some complete tears are immediately repaired surgically. Partial tears that continue to cause symptoms for 3 months or more may need to be surgically repaired. 