ACHILLES TENDON

CONTRACTURE
BY: AMIRA T. MACAPINTAL
WHAT IS ACHILLES TENDON CONTRACTURE?

Achilles tendon contracture is a

shortening of the Achilles tendon (tendon
calcaneus or heel cord), which causes
foot pain and strain, with limited ankle
dorsiflexion.
 CAUSES
• Cerebral palsy
• Chronic tendinitis
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke
• Genetics
• Birth defects
• Foot deformity caused by diabetes or
clubfoot
 SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
• Extensive pain in the Achilles tendon
• Foot remaining in a bent position causing flat
foot, forcing the knees to bend
• Abnormal toes position
• Discomfort at the back of the feet
• Poor posture
• Muscle spasticity, a muscle control disorder
characterized by stiff muscles
 TREATMENT
Achilles tendon contracture is treated conservatively
by raising the inside heel of the shoe (in the reflex
type); gradually lowering the heels of shoes (sudden
lowering can aggravate the problem), and stretching
exercises, if the cause is high heels; or using support
braces or casting to prevent foot drop in a paralyzed
patient. Alternative therapy includes using wedged
plaster casts or stretching the tendon by manipulation.
Analgesics may be given to relieve pain.
 SURGERY
Achilles tendon lengthening (ATL) is a surgical procedure that
aims to stretch the Achilles tendon to allow a person to walk flat-
footed without a bend in the knee, or to bring relief to chronic
pain. This procedure elongates a contracted Achilles tendon by
making small cuts on the tendons at the back of the ankle. As the
wounds heal, the tendons elongate.
Tenotomy is a surgical procedure that allows further stretching
by cutting the tendon. After surgery, a short leg cast maintains
the foot in 90-degree dorsiflexion for 6 weeks. Some surgeons
allow partial weight bearing on a walking cast after 2 weeks.
ACHILLES TENDON ACHILLES TENDON
CONTRACTURE LENGTHENING
SURGERY