Rupture of tendons and ligaments is a common injury, especially among athletes and young people. These tendons are composed of fibrous connective tissue that helps the joints perform their function. Therefore, treatment of tendon tears requires surgery, which must be performed during the first days of the injury, and the patient needs a recovery period that may reach 12 weeks. So let us learn in more detail about the most important information to know about this problem and the complex complications it can cause, such as joint deformities.

How does tendon rupture occur?

To understand how to treat tendon tears, we must understand the most important causes and risk factors that contribute to their occurrence, including:

1. Extreme stretching of the tendon as a result of carrying a weight heavier than its ability to stretch.
2.  The tendon has been exposed to direct injury or severe blow, as in a car accident.
3. Sudden unexpected movement of the joint.
4. Sports injuries such as cruciate ligament tears are common in athletes.
5. Severe joint sprains, such as an ankle sprain.
6. Cutting with a sharp object such as a knife or broken glass.
7. Suffering from some diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
8. Being bitten by animals.

What are the signs and symptoms of tendon rupture?

Some signs and symptoms occur in the part of the body where the severed tendon is located, including the following:

1. There is a deep cut or wound in the skin above the tendon.
2. Difficulty straightening or bending the part of the body where the torn tendon is located.
3. ألم شديد.
4. Swelling or bruising.
5. Inability to bend the finger.
6. Inability to move the joint.

Your doctor will examine you and ask questions about your symptoms.

What are the risk factors for tearing tendons and ligaments?

Risk factors that increase the likelihood of tendon rupture include:

1. Sports injury or work injury 
2. Excessive exercise.
3. Aging, loss of flexibility or tendon atrophy.
4. Certain diseases such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Tendon atrophy.

It is important to note that tendon tears are usually common in older people, as the possibility of tendon wear and tear increases with age, especially when following an unhealthy lifestyle. 

On the other hand, excessive exercise and poorly healed injuries may cause tendons to tear as they lose flexibility and become more susceptible to tearing when performing any exercise.   

What are the treatment methods for tendon rupture?

Treatment for tendon amputation depends on the type of injury and the time elapsed after the injury. Surgery is usually the effective and final option for this problem. Performing it as soon as possible after the injury reduces the risks after the operation and the most important complications that may occur, and the recovery rate increases significantly.

A combination of analgesics, anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections may also be used as an initial step to treat minor conditions, or as pre-operative preparation. 

To get the best possible result you can follow the following tips: 

1. Apply ice to the site of the tendon rupture for 15 to 20 minutes every hour or according to the doctor’s instructions, in order to prevent tissue damage and reduce pain and inflammation, taking into account the necessity of not letting the ice come into direct contact with the skin.
2. Undergoing physical therapy sessions is of great importance in reducing the severity of the injury, strengthening the joint, and improving its flexibility, and it is also one of the main steps in treatment.
3. Taking steroid injections to relieve pain in the short term, especially if regular painkillers fail, and the surgery date is delayed.  

Tendon tears are usually treated surgically on an outpatient basis and the patient returns home the same day.

The patient needs to rest for a period of up to 12 weeks before starting the treatment program.

The patient undergoes rehabilitation under the supervision of a physical therapist to gradually regain movement and avoid any disability.

Learn about:  Causes of sports injuries

Are there potential risks and complications for surgical treatment of tendon resection?

Some normal side effects may occur following surgical operations. They usually heal quickly provided you adhere to the doctor’s instructions, and they include:

1. Scars and deformities that may limit the ability of the tendon and joint to move during the recovery period.
2. Joint stiffness. 
3. Inflammation and infection.
4. The tendon ruptures again.
5. النزيف. 
6. Allergy to anesthesia.

In conclusion, we can say that despite the many reasons that may lead to the risk of tendon rupture, speedy treatment of tendon rupture and immediate referral to a specialist doctor increases the rate of recovery, and spares the person unwanted complications. Choosing a distinguished medical center is also one of the important factors, so we recommend Al-Mousa Specialist Hospital. You can visit us to learn more.