A structure that anchors a muscle to the skeleton and transmits the muscular contraction to the bone.

Tendons are the tough fibers that connect muscle to bone. For example, see a picture of the Achilles tendon , which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Most tendon injuries occur near joints, such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle. A tendon injury may seem to happen suddenly, but usually it is the result of many tiny tears to the tendon that have happened over time. Tendinitis. This actually means "inflammation of the tendon," but inflammation is rarely the cause of tendon pain.

Muscles are the contractile units that move our bones and thus move our bodies. Tendons are the portions of muscle that connect the muscle to the bones, so the unit looks like this: bone-tendon-muscle-tendon-bone. Each muscle has a responsibility of moving bones closer together when contracting, to provide movement or maintain posture. Muscles and tendons have relatively good blood flow and thus speedy healing, in contrast to ligaments.

The only way to know for certain is to inspect the tendon during surgery but based on my examination of your shoulder, I do not think the rotator cuff is completely torn. Plain x-rays such as those taken in my office only show the bones and not the tendons. Special tests such as an MRI or arthrogram are needed to tell us more about the tendons.

The surgery to treat an Achilles tendon rupture involves an incision along the back of the ankle. Usually the incision is made just to the side of midline so shoes will not rub on the site of the scar. The torn ends of the Achilles tendon are identified and strong sutures are placed in both ends of the tendon. These strong sutures are then tied together to repair the tendon.

Achilles tendon rupture is most often treated surgically to reattach the tendon to its normal position. Non operative management can be undertaken, generally people who live sedentary lifestyles or who may have problems with wound healing. Non surgical treatment of an Achilles tendon rupture is accomplished by casting the Achilles tendon for several months. In these patients, the number of re ruptures is higher compared to those patients who have surgical repair.

Most tendon injuries are the result of gradual wear and tear to the tendon from overuse or aging. Anyone can have a tendon injury, but people who make the same motions over and over in their jobs, sports, or daily activities are more likely to damage a tendon. A tendon injury can happen suddenly or little by little. You are more likely to have a sudden injury if the tendon has been weakened over time.

To diagnose a tendon injury, a doctor will ask questions about your past health and your symptoms and will do a physical exam. If the injury is related to your use of a tool or sports equipment, the doctor may ask you to show how you use it. If your symptoms are severe or do not improve with treatment, your doctor may want you to have a test, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI.

Pain, tenderness, redness, warmth, and/or swelling near the injured tendon. Pain may increase with activity. Symptoms of tendon injury may affect the precise area where the injured tendon is located or may radiate out from the joint area, unlike arthritis pain, which tends to be confined to the joint. Crepitus, or a crunchy sound or feeling when the tendon is used. This is usually uncomfortable or painful. Stiffness in the joint near the affected area.

Overuse or repeated movements during sports, work, or other activities. In sports, a change in how long, intensely, or often you exercise, or in your environment (such as going from a flat surface to a hill or from a paved road to a dirt road) can cause microtears in the tendon that are unable to heal quickly and will eventually cause pain. Injury from repeated push-offs or a stop-and-go motion, common in such activities as running, basketball, tennis, or ballet dancing.

Refrain from all exercise for the first three to four weeks depending how severe the injury is, your next ultrasound will determine the time and amount of exercise your horse may have. Ask your veterinarian. Usually you begin with hand walking daily, once the core has closed and your veterinarian will advise you that you may proceed with training, etc. Repeat ultrasound sixty days (60) after therapy and fallow up there after to make sure the tendon is healed properly.

This is another thing that you should discuss with your doctor. There are a lot of different opinions and reasons for one over the other. First off, you should probably go with the method your surgeon is good at. Surgeons will perform more of one type than the other and will soon get better with one method.

Patients will be provided a discharge instructions sheet provided by the surgeon that instructs patients on how to look after their wounds, what activities they should avoid, and which exercises they should do to aid in their recovery. At a follow-up visit the surgeon will inspect the incisions, remove sutures, and discuss the rehabilitation program.

Rehabilitation following Achilles tendon repair is a controversial topic. Traditionally, patients were casted after surgery for a period of 4 to 8 weeks and after that time, patients were allowed to gently move the ankle. More recently, studies have shown that patients do well and heal faster with more rapid mobilization. If a solid repair is attainable, patients may not be casted at all, and allowed to begin motion immediately after surgery.

The most common and worrisome complications following an Achilles tendon repair are problems with wound healing. The skin over the Achilles tendon sometimes does not heal well. Therefore, careful wound management is of utmost important following surgical repair of an Achilles tendon rupture. Other potential problems include infection, ankle stiffness, and rerupture of the tendon.

Some swelling is to be expected and it may actually increase gradually for the first two to three days. If the bandage feels tight you should re-apply it more lightly and elevate the leg to reduce the swelling. Apply ice packs for 20 to 30 minutes every few hours may help to reduce the swelling and act as pain relief as required. If it persist contact your surgeon if you have any concerns.

Exercises are very important, as most of the ankle's strength comes from the muscles surrounding it and not from the tendons or ligaments. You will not harm the ankle by doing strengthening exercises as recommended by your surgeon or physiotherapist. These should be performed according to directions.

Weight bearing is not usually possible after tendon achilles surgery. Crutches or some form of weight support may be recommended by your surgeon depending on the operation. Once pain eases it is important to gradually increase weight bearing on the leg.

Any sport that involves significant weight-bearing stresses or twisting movements must be avoided until approved by your surgeon. Although cartilage and ligament repair often results in a near normal ankle, the ankle does have an increased likelihood of developing arthritis in the long term, so extreme weight-bearing activities need to be modified. Exercises that have less impact on ankles include swimming, cycling and walking.