A ruptured tendon is a fairly uncommon instance where the tendon snaps or ruptures. The tendon is a fibrous tissue that attaches the muscle to the bone in the human body. The amount of force required for a tendon to snap is estimated to be more than five times the body weight. Due to the amount of force needed, a ruptured tendon is usually considered a serious problem that is typically associated with severe pain. A clinical assessment is required for proper diagnosis. If left untreated, it may lead to permanent damage. Most ruptured tendons can be treated with medications or surgery.
Most Common Ruptured Tendons
There are four areas that are commonly ruptured. Signs and symptoms for each area might slightly vary.
- Achilles Tendon
- Located at the back portion of the foot above the heel that is essential to push off the foot and for tiptoeing
- Quadriceps Tendon
- A cluster of four muscles located above the patella and forms the patellar tendon
- Biceps Tendon
- Found in the forearm and allows the bending of the elbow
- Rotator CuffTendon
- Positioned in the shoulder and composed of four muscles that allows arm rotation and prevents shoulder dislocation
Causes of Ruptured Tendon
There are many possible causes of ruptured tendon. Most causes are general that can cause damage to any of the tendons, however, there are also possible causes that are unique for the tendon that snaps.
- General causes:
- Steroid injection
- Direct trauma from sporting injuries, vehicular accidents, etc.
- Certain medications such as ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin, and other types of Quinolone antibiotics
- Increased age that may lead to reduced blood supply to the particular area
- Unusual loading that results to contracting muscles while stretching
- Certain diseases such as, gout, hyperparathyroidism, etc.
- Achilles Tendon
- Active physical activity especially by individuals who are not conditioned
- Excessive strain
- Landing on the sole of the foot after jumping from a particular height
- Having O blood type
- Rotator Cuff Tendon
- Carrying heavy objects overhead
- Falling unto an outstretched arm
Signs and Symptoms of Ruptured Tendon
Any recent history of trauma to any part of the body may require medical attention. The following are the common signs and symptoms of a ruptured tendon:
- Hearing a snap or pop upon injury
- Excruciating pain
- Bruising that occurs instantaneously
- Weakness and inability to move the affected area
- Obvious deformity
- Inability of carrying own body weight
- Achilles: inability to tiptoe on affected area
- Biceps: inability to raise the arm and turn the palm up
- Rotator Cuff: inability to bring the arm out to the side
First Aid Treatment for Ruptured Tendon
Call for emergency medical services in cases of ruptured tendon to receive proper diagnosis. While waiting for emergency assistance, apply first aid to help relieve symptoms. Follow the RICE therapy.
- Rest the affected area. Do not perform any activity.
- Ice the affected area but do not apply it directly to the skin to avoid supplementary damage. Wrap the ice in a towel or plastic bag.
- Compress the affected area by wrapping the area with an ACE bandage. This will help limit swelling.
- Elevate the affected area above the heart level, if possible.
- Try to immobilize the affected area.
- Take over-the-counter paracetamol or ibuprofen to help ease the pain.
Joining in First Aid Courses can help alleviate symptoms of ruptured tendon and other tissue injuries, and it is especially recommended to athletes who are at greater risks for developing problems.