Tear of the tendon that connects the muscles of the calf to the heel bone. The tear usually occurs 4-6 cm above the heel and is mostly caused by forceful jumping or pivoting and sudden accelerations of running which can overstretch the tendon and cause a tear. A person with an Achilles tendon rupture will experience sudden pain which feels like a kick or stab in the back of the ankle or calf, a popping or snapping sensation, swelling in the back of the leg, difficulty walking and difficulty rising up on the toes.
Whether you have surgery for your Achilles tendon tear or not, the Physical Therapists at Apple Physical Therapy will design a personalized treatment plan specific to you and your injury that will include range of motion, stretching and strengthening exercises to improve mobility and strength in your ankle, knee and leg musculature to allow you to return to normal daily activity. We will include gait training and balance training exercises to allow you to return to normal and safe ambulation. We will incorporate manual therapy techniques such as massage and stretching of the calf, knee and ankle and surrounding muscles to restore normal motion of the ankle and knee. When appropriate we will educate you on sport specific activity such as running, cutting, jumping and other activities. If necessary, your PT may elect to use modalities such as heat and/or ice to help reduce pain and ready the body for exercise.
With convenient locations in both Cherry Hill NJ and Marlton NJ, Apple Physical Therapy proudly serves such areas as Cherry Hill, Marlton, Medford, Voorhees, Mount Laurel, Maple Shade, Berlin, Moorestown and all of South Jersey’s Camden and Burlington counties. If you are looking for a Physical Therapist in the Cherry Hill area, we welcome you to our practice. Meet our team and schedule your appointment with us today!