Torn Tendon
A Torn Tendon Got You Down?
A torn tendon, depending upon the extent of the tear, can result in experiencing some pain at one extreme to a great deal of pain and immobility at the other extreme. The tendon is a cord-like collection of tissues which attaches muscle to bone. In the event of a mild tear, movement in the area affected may be uncomfortable to downright painful. If the tendon is torn badly or completely severed, movement in the affected area can be impossible.
Most Likely Candidates - While anyone can suffer from a torn tendon, this type of injury is more common among athletes. A tendon can become torn or ruptured either by repetitive activity or sudden movement which stretches the tendon to the tearing or breaking point. In the former case, so-called tennis elbow is one of the more frequently tendon injuries. Injuries to tendons in the shoulder are more common among those who experience a great deal of shoulder and arm motion, baseball players for example. Runners and dancers have reason to fear one of the more disabling of the torn tendon injuries, a torn Achilles tendon. In such an instance, the tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone in the foot is injured which will make walking painful or in a worst case situation, impossible.
What To Do - If you suffer a torn tendon, and it is not a severe tear, in other words a tear that will most likely heal of its own accord, icing down the affected area to reduce swelling and allow the healing process to begin would be your first step. Over the counter pain medication will probably come in handy. If the injury is only a slight one, the tendon can periodically be exercised gently to keep it flexible. If the tear appears to be a bad one, the area should be kept as immobile as possible until medical assistance is available.
Even if a torn tendon is not completely ruptured, and any pain being experienced is tolerable, it is important to take steps to enable the injury to heal on its own or have it repaired surgically. Otherwise, permanent weakness may be the result in the affected joint and muscles. If the tear is not too severe, it may only be necessary to wear an elastic bandage while the tendon is healing
Surgical Procedures Can Vary - Depending upon which tendon has been injured, surgical repair basically involves sewing the torn ends of the tendon back together. In severe cases, it may be necessary to graft a healthy piece of tendon, taken from another part of the body, onto the injured tendon. If a small tendon in the hand is injured, but not completely ruptured, surgical repair may be conducted on an out-patient basis, with only local anesthesia require. When a tendon is more extensively damaged, or is attached to a major muscle group, a more lengthy surgical procedure, done under general anesthesia, will usually be needed.
Healing Requires Immobility - Following repair of a torn tendon, the patient will most likely have to wear a brace or cast during the healing process, as the tendon and adjoining muscles need to be kept motionless. A torn tendon at the knee or ankle will likely require use of crutches or a walking cast during the healing process. A cast or brace may also be needed when the arm, wrist, or shoulder is involved. Fortunately torn tendons in the abdominal and hip area are somewhat rare.
It may be impossible to totally prevent suffering a torn tendon, but keeping muscles exercised and in good tone will certainly help. Also, if one makes it a practice to warm up before running, jogging, playing tennis, throwing a baseball, or when participating any number of activities for that matter, the chances of suffering a torn tendon will be minimized.