Achilles Heel Rupture

In Greek Mythology, Achilles was the great hero of the Trojan War. When he was born, his mother, in an attempt to make him immortal, held him by one heel and dipped him head first into the River Styx. The one point on Achilles body that he remained vulnerable was on the heel, where his mother grasped him. This is why you come to associate the term “Achilles Heel,” as a weakness.

Vitally important…

The Achilles tendon is such a vital part of your structure, that without it you could not walk. This tendon connects calf muscles to the back of the heel. If your Achilles tendon ruptures, your foot becomes weak. You wobble and cannot support yourself.

Whole or in part…

Your Achilles tendon may rupture in part or completely. Sometimes treatment for a partial rupture stops short of surgery. But for a complete tear you would require surgical repair. When the injury initially occurs, you may hear a pop or snap sound. Do not confuse this with your Rice Krispies. Most people then experience severe pain, swelling in the heel area and an inability to push off of the affected leg in order to walk.

Let the healing begin…

The most frequent cause of Achilles tendon rupture is sports activity. These are considered serious injuries and you need to be treated by a podiatrist as soon as possible. Drs. Joel Brook, Arroyo, and McClurkin at Dallas Podiatry Works can diagnose a rupture by physical examination, but will probably get imaging tests in order to substantiate the diagnosis and view the severity of your injury. You will probably be fit with a boot or cast that will stabilize the injury unless your tendon is completely torn. If torn, it will require surgery to repair, then several weeks immobilized followed by physical therapy to strengthen to pre-injury status.

The success of your rehabilitation is dependent on immediate medical attention. Call our Dallas office at 972.853.7100 or Plano at (972) 943-3323 if you think you have an Achilles tendon rupture, or for any of your foot or ankle concerns.

The doctor has great “bedside manners” when talking to patients. Great staff and comfortable atmosphere.

Derrick W.

The staff at Dallas Podiatry Works could not have been more courteous, helpful, and professional in doing their job. They made me feel comfortable when I was there, which is certainly appreciated. They answered all the questions that I had and just made each visit the most pleasurable that it could be. I would highly recommend them to anyone needing this type of foot care.

Joseph B.

I would highly recommend Dr. Brook to anyone with foot problems–especially problems that stump other podiatrists. He really is very caring and very knowledgeable.

Jeannette H.

Dr. Joel Brook and the staff were nice and helpful. Though I was a new patient, I got right in as soon as they were open in my preferred location. They diagnosed the problem and provided medicines along with a perfect gel bandage so I could keep exercising while my toes healed. My toes already hurt less and look a little better each day. If I have future issues, I will be a repeat customer. Here’s hoping I don’t, but at least I know my feet are in good hands.

Meryl E.

I visited this office for an ingrown toe nail a few years ago. After seeing another doctor, who made it worse, he referred me to Dallas Podiatry Works. The doctor there was able to fix my problem. I’m not great with reviews, all I can tell you is that this doctor and staff will have you up and running or doing whatever it is you do in no time. You will be in great hands. You’d be a fool not to use this doctor. Now its time to visit him again for the other toe.

Google User

Been having bad ankle pains for 6 months was referred here and it was a great visit ladies in the front desk medical assistants and the Doctor were all very friendly and make you feel very comfortable.