Achilles Tendon Injuries and Early Functional Rehabilitation Practices

Abstract

Achilles is the tendon of our body that is the most powerful and capable of resisting great forces. Achilles tendon injuries observed during daily life and sports activities occur in the relatively avascular area 2-6 cm proximal to the calcaneus, the sticking point of the tendon Surgical or conservative treatment preferences in injury are affected by conditions such as the age of the patient, the type and localization of the tear, the profession of the patient, chronic disease. Especially immobilization performed with a long-term splint or plaster should not be preferred after surgery and long-leg plaster should be avoided. The fact that immobilization causes atrophy of muscles, adhesion, joint stiffness, shortening of tendons has increased the interest in functional rehabilitation. Early functional rehabilitation with early surgical or weight transfer, controlled range of motion, and a combination of both rehabilitation and the process involves dynamic mobilization exercises. In contrast to immobilization practices, early mobilization trainings (ankle exercises, early weight bearing activities, etc.) provide a rapid functional improvement and positively affect return to work, quality of life and patient satisfaction. Correctly planned and structured rehabilitation programs are important for maintaining and maintaining health and preventing diseases. Early functional rehabilitation practices that will be carried out with multidisciplinary approaches under the supervision of physiotherapists who demonstrate their clinical skills in accordance with the needs of the patient and closely follow the literature are very important in the return of the patient to quality of life and activities. Keywords: Achilles Tendon, Rupture, Functional Rehabilitation