Tendon on the leg: pain, rupture, stretching

It's no secret that the tendon on the leg plays a determining factor in the person's physical activity, and if something happens to him (inflammation, sprain or rupture), this significantly limits our freedom of action. That is why information about why this happens, how to avoid it, and how to treat such a disease is very relevant.

What is a tendon and what are its main functions

The tendon on the leg is a form of connective tissue that attaches to the bone and muscles. Their main function is to ensure the normal placement and stable performance of all organs. In addition, they direct the motion of the joints. As a rule, the concept of "stretching" is not entirely true, since the tendons themselves can not stretch due to the fact that they do not have the necessary elasticity and predisposition to this. In fact, there is a complete or partial breakdown.

Causes of tendon damage

As statistics show, 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 noting that half of the complaints of ligament rupture comes from women after a quick walk on their heels.
• Intensive exercise;
• Wearing uncomfortable shoes;
• Arthritis;
• Congenital weak tendons;
• Non-standard placement and, consequently, further uneven development of the components of the musculoskeletal system. Expressed in accessible language - different length of limbs.
• Diseases of the musculoskeletal system;
• A variety of infections.

In addition, the rupture of the tendon on the foot is often called "sport disease", as almost 70% of the calls come from athletes.

Types of stretching

As practice shows, the causes of stretching are divided into 2 types. And if the first kind (degenerative) refers to those that are caused by the deterioration of the tendons, due to the aging of the whole organism and, most often, are diagnosed in people whose age is more than 40 years, the second type (traumatic) is the discontinuities arising As a result of a variety of falls, sudden movements, or a rise in excessive gravity. A distinctive feature of the last type of stretch is that they arise suddenly and are characterized by strong pain sensations.

There is also a division into categories, depending on the violations that are inflicted on each individual bundle.

Symptoms

Stretching of the tendon on the leg is manifested as follows:

• Strong painful sensations both in a calm state, and during the execution of not very complicated actions;
• Quite limited movements next to the source of pain (it is impossible to perform flexion or extension of the leg);
• Increase in temperature;
• Bluish skin tone;
• A change in the external contour of the joint, located in the immediate vicinity of the probable site of extension;
• Various streams;
• A soundtrack (clicking, crunching) during an attempt to make a motion with a damaged leg;
• Feeling of tingling and numbness in the area where you experience pain.

But it should be borne in mind that the symptoms that testify to tendon tenderness on the legs may also have their own specific features that are specific to each particular type of rupture.

Damage to the meniscus

As a rule, a rupture of the tendon on the leg accompanied by a fracture is one of the main symptoms of trauma to the meniscus. Most often, such problems arise in athletes, which brings them a sufficient number of problems. But because of the similarity of the symptoms, it is not always possible to correctly diagnose. Its only distinguishing feature is the strongest pain when trying to unbend the bent leg.

Stretching of the ankle

The strongest swelling is indicative of ankle damage, and with the transfer of the body's weight to the injured leg, there is a sharp pain that increases with movement. In addition, if you suspect a trauma, it may be necessary to check the "drawer" principle. In this case, the shin with one hand is firmly held at the bottom, and in the meantime, with the help of the second hand, very gently press down on the foot, achieving its displacement forward. If the primary diagnosis is correct, then it will change its location without much effort. There is also a high probability of detecting blood in the area of the injury.

Remember, the stretching of the tendon on the leg can be as subtle (usually takes a few days), and pronounced (in this case, urgent specialist help is required).

Diagnostics

As a rule, to complete the picture of the doctor, a primary questioning of the patient is made about what exactly happened to him and what feelings he felt at that moment. If a person complains of pain in the tendons of the legs, then first a healthy leg is inspected. This is done in order to familiarize the patient with the procedure of examination and in the future, when the queue to the aching leg comes up, he is already unconsciously ready for what will follow. As a result, the patient relatively calmly perceives all the manipulations of the doctor. Also, this approach allows the doctor to compare the results that he received during the examination of the patient's legs, which in the future will greatly facilitate the diagnosis.

In addition, the specialist will be assigned and additional studies to finally confirm or deny the initial diagnosis. They include:

• Computer 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 you to get very accurate information not only about which particular tendon on the leg is damaged, but also how many fibers are broken.
• X-ray examination. Its use makes it possible to identify the possibility of complications (fractures and dislocations).
• Ultrasound examination of the injured organ.

First aid in case the 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 to be successful in the future and without possible complications, it is necessary to provide the victim with first aid, which includes the following manipulations:

• Relieving the sick leg from shoes and socks, which will reduce pressure on the swelling area.
• Ensuring the rest of the damaged area, which will allow a little distraction of the person from the fact that his tendons tend to hurt on his legs.
• Create a special substrate from a folded several times the fabric and place it under the damaged area.
• Raising the leg to the maximum possible height (usually up to the heart area), which several times improves blood flow.
• Applying to the damaged area of ice or cut off the fabric, previously soaked in cold water. But, if the situation allows, it is better not to resort to the latter option. A piece of ice is recommended to be placed on top of dry tissue to exclude necrosis of soft tissues, which can result from severe frostbite. Apply ice in the first two hours after the damage with an interval of 20 minutes. Then it will be enough for two hours during the first day.

Remember that depending on how these procedures are carried out, the speed of further recovery may depend. In addition, with intense pain, it is recommended to take painkillers.

Treatment of the tendons of the legs

Depending on the degree of stretching, various therapeutic measures are prescribed. For example, partial rupture of ligaments (1 degree) requires conservative treatment, in which a special bandage is imposed on the damaged area with the help of elastic bandage, which limits the mobility of the joints. The period of wearing varies from 3 to 5 days. In addition, drugs can be prescribed that relieve inflammation. If, for example, the tendon of the big toe is torn, the patient is instructed to use a special finger retainer and, if necessary, injections of an anesthetic. In addition, to increase the outflow of venous blood, it is recommended to smear the damaged area with "Troxevasin" gel.

With fairly pronounced painful sensations, edema and limited movement of the joints (2nd degree), joint stenosis should be longer (up to two weeks). In addition, it is best to keep the leg in elevated position in the first 3 days. As already mentioned, ice should be applied only in the first 24 hours. The gel can be used in the same way as in the previous case.

If, after the injury, very severe pain is observed, the inability to perform even the slightest movement of the joint (grade 3), then in this case it may be necessary to apply gypsum or even an operation on the tendon of the leg. The period of immobilization of the leg can last more than a month (depending on the severity of the injury). During this time, painkillers and injections are taken.

What consequences can there be?

As a rule, the prognosis after treatment is quite favorable, if the therapy was started on time. Otherwise, the tendon on the leg can almost completely cease to perform its function, which, in turn, will seriously affect the mobility of the person.

Recovery exercises

To restore the mobility of the joints after the trauma after the end of the treatment, special rehabilitation procedures are appointed, which include:

• Walking in comfortable shoes, but it should take place with a soft roll from the heel to the toe. Particular attention should be paid to the fact that you do not need to very strongly turn the sock out.
• Half-squats on the toes with a further rise of socks and their subsequent return to the initial position.
• In addition, it is worth taking time for certain exercises in the water, since under these conditions it is possible to develop a damaged tendon without loading it with excessive weight.

The main thing is to understand that with timely treatment in the relevant medical institution, you can minimize the process of treatment and subsequent rehabilitation.