On June 7, 2011 Tiger Woods announced he would not be attending The United States Open at Congressional Country Club because of a mild sprain to his medial collateral ligament (M.C.L.) and a mild strain of his Achilles’ tendon. This raised more questions than it answered about the extent of the damage to his left leg. Woods, 35, has been unable to work on his game since withdrawing from the Players Championship last month after shooting 42 for nine holes. Since injuring the leg while hitting a shot at the Masters eight weeks ago, Woods has been rehabilitating the M.C.L. (medial collateral ligament) and the Achilles. The announcement on his Web site said the injuries had not fully improved.
Achilles ruptures can be a career ending injury. It occurs when there is a sudden sharp movement and flexion of the Achilles causing the weakest area to break. The person will say that they felt like were hit in the back of the leg and are looking behind them to see who hit them. It depends on the activity level of the person and the degree of rupture whether it is treated by casting or by surgery. Stretching and strengthening the tendon can help prevent the injury. Ruptures can happen to the professional athlete but often is the weekend warrior that does not warm up properly and stretch well before an activity like, tennis, basketball, soccer and football.
Treatment normally includes a bandage specifically designed to restrict motion of the tendon. Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication for a period of time. Note: Please consult your physician before taking any medication.
Orthotics, which are corrective shoe inserts designed to help support the muscle and relieve stress on the tendon. Both nonprescription orthoses (such as a heel pads or over-the-counter shoe inserts) and prescribed custom orthotics may be recommended depending on the length and severity of the problem. Rest and switching to exercises that do not stress the tendon (such as swimming) are recommended as well as stretching and exercises to strengthen the weak muscle group in front of the leg, calf, and the upward foot flexors, as well as massage and ultrasound.
If you think you may have problems with your Achilles’ tendon, please come in to see a podiatrist at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center, LLP, with locations in Howell, Edison, and Monroe, New Jersey. Your health is important to us, so please let us help you as soon as possible to get you back to your normal quality of life.
By Valerie Gregory, MSPT, CKTP
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