The ankle is comprised of multiple bones, ligaments, and tendons which help to stabilize the ankle and enable movement. Tendons are especially important in the ankle joint because they attach the muscle in your leg to the bone in your ankle, providing stability and strength. Certain maneuvers or hits to the ankle can cause the ankle tendons to stretch or tear resulting in intense pain. Depending on the severity of the tear, treatment for a torn tendon may vary.
Here are some treatment options for a torn ankle tendon:
- RICE method
Resting, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE) is an excellent method to use when you have stretched or torn a tendon in your ankle. This method is typically the first line of treatment when managing a torn ankle tendon, but severe tears may require more intervention. - Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are helpful medications that reduce swelling and pain at the site of injury. Some common over-the-counter NSAIDs include ibuprofen and naproxen. - Corticosteroid injection
Corticosteroid injections are helpful tools to alleviate pain and inflammation in your injured ankle. This shot delivers cortisone which acts as a local anesthetic to the torn tendon. - Brace or cast
If the tendon tear is able to heal without surgery, custom ankle braces or casts can be provided by your physician to support your ankle and keep it still during the healing process. - Tendon Repair Surgery
When non-surgical approaches don’t resolve the torn ankle tendon due to the severity of the tear, surgery may be indicated. Tendon repair surgery involves the removal of damaged ankle tissue followed by a tendon graft. Tendon grafting is when part of a healthy tendon is taken from elsewhere in the body and transplanted into the damaged ankle tendon. - Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is always a beneficial treatment option when you have torn a tendon. Your therapist will show you specific exercises and stretches for your ankle that will allow you to regain strength and recover faster. Physical therapy can serve as an alternative to surgery but also as a post-surgical recovery measure as well.
As listed above, there are many ways to treat a torn ankle tendon with conservative and surgical treatment options. Although some of these treatments can be self-administered, it is important to always seek medical attention when you believe you have stretched or torn your ankle tendon. Severe tears that go untreated can result in permanently detached muscle from the bone causing chronic instability in your ankle. So, if you believe you have suffered from an ankle tendon tear, contact Dr. Ho for a consultation today!
Dr. Bryant S. Ho is board-certified in orthopedic surgery and is trained in the operative and non-operative management of adolescent and adult foot and ankle disorders. Dr. Ho places a strong emphasis on customizing his care for each patient to ensure successful outcomes. He provides all treatment options, including preventative care, conservative management, and operative intervention.
