The terms “tear” and “rupture” are often interchanged when speaking about damage to tendons and other body parts. A common question we’re asked is “what are the differences between a tear and a rupture?”

Surprisingly, there are no differences between a complete tear and a rupture. However, a tear can be partial or complete.

Achilles Tendon Injury

An Achilles tendon injury, for instance, can be a tear or a rupture.

This long tendon stretches from the heel bones up to the calf muscles. It is a frequent site of injury, in both professional and amateur athletes, especially those who participate in activities such as gymnastics, running, basketball, tennis or dancing.

The tendon can be injured in other ways, as well, including:

How Could I Have Ruptured or Torn my Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is often torn or ruptured during quick movements, such as starting a race. The pain starts along the back of the foot above the heel. You may hear a pop or snapping sound. With a tear or rupture, the pain may be mild at first, but the pain can also be severe and abrupt.

Another signal for a tear or rupture is that the person cannot rise on his or her toes.

It is important that a tear or rupture to the Achilles tendon be diagnosed correctly because other conditions, such as bursitis, can also cause similar symptoms. A rupture or tear of the tendon is generally apparent, but an MRI may be required to examine the extent of the injury.

What are Other Tendons That Could Have a Rupture or Tear?

Besides the Achilles tendon, three other common sites of tears or ruptures are:

· Quadriceps. This group of four muscles just above the kneecap, known as the quads, helps to extend the leg at the knee and side.
· Biceps. This arm muscle flexes the elbow. The most common rupture or tear is to the top of the shoulder.
· Rotator cuff. This group of four muscles in the shoulder allows the arms to function and is a very common area for tears and ruptures.

ACL and Other Ligament Ruptures or Tears

Ligament ruptures and tears are very common in sports related injuries, and can be due to:

· Twisting your knee
· Getting hit hard on or around the knee
· Over-extending your knee
· Jumping and landing on a flexed knee
· Not stretching before physical activities
· Suddenly stopping when running
· Shifting weight from one leg to the other too quickly

How do I Know If I Tore a Ligament?

If it feels like you may have torn a ligament or tendon you may get symptoms such as:

· Pain
· Swelling
· Feeling of looseness in the joint
· Inability to put weight on the injured area
· Popping sound during the injury

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, our skilled physicians are trained in the latest advancements in surgical and non-surgical procedures.

When a Tendon Has Ruptured, How Does it Heal?

A tendon rupture is uncommon, but when it does happen it can be a severe problem.

It will result in excruciating pain and leave you with permanent damage if untreated. Each type of tendon rupture has its own signs and symptoms. A tendon rupture can be treated surgically or medically. The types of treatment prescribed will depend on the severity of the rupture.

There are four different areas where you can develop a ruptured tendon and the medical treatments can differ in each area, as follows:

Medical Treatments

Quadriceps

A partial rupture or tear may be treated without surgery. This can be done by placing the leg in a cast or brace for 4-6 weeks. Once you can raise your leg without discomfort for 10 days, it’s safe to say you don’t need to restrict movement by using a brace. Here are some knee strengthening exercises you will eventually be able to try.

Treating this type of rupture or tear without surgery involves restricting movement in your foot so the sole of your foot is pointed down for 4-8 weeks. While this treatment’s success rate is not as high as surgery, it is an option for those who are at higher risk during a surgical procedure.

If the tear or rupture is less than 50 percent or 1 cm in size, the dead tissue is removed arthroscopically. In this procedure, there is a small incision made to remove the dead tissue without cutting the joint open. The shoulder is then left to heal.

Most physicians prefer not to operate on a minor bicep tendon injury. This is because the function of the arm is not severely impaired. Only a small fraction of elbow flexion is lost. The best option is to allow it to heal on its own, with a brace or cast to prevent movement.

Surgical Treatments

Quadriceps

Surgery can be performed to repair a ruptured tendon. After surgery, your leg will be placed in a cast or brace. The best way to regain your leg strength is physical therapy, which can take up to six months for recovery.

If you’re an active person, the best treatment for an Achilles tendon tear or rupture is surgical repair. After surgery, you will be placed in a cast or brace for 3-4 weeks with your toes pointed downwards, then another 2-3 weeks of regular positioning before putting any weight on the foot.

In cases where the rotator cuff has been injured, your orthopedic physician will not want to attempt surgery until all other methods fail. The surgical procedure for rotator cuff surgery can be done with shoulder arthroscopy. Read more about your options when you are suffering from a rotator cuff tear.

Unless you’re willing to accept loss of function and strength due to a major bicep tear or rupture, surgery will need to be preformed to repair the injury. Surgery is performed to reattach the torn tendon back to the bone.

What is The Healing Time for a Rupture or Tear?

The healing time for tendon tears or ruptures varies according to the severity of the injury. Severe injuries may require a cast for up to 10 weeks.

How You Can Prevent Ligament Tears?

Ligaments are bands of tissues that connect the bones throughout your body. Too much pressure on your ligaments can cause them to stretch the wrong way and snap. This is a very painful injury and can cause significant lifestyle changes.

The most common ligament tear is an ACL tear. It’s difficult to prevent these types of injuries if you’re an active person. However, there are some precautions that you can take to improve strength and mobility in your knee. Some of these precautions include:

· Keep your thigh muscles strong by using strengthening exercises
· Warm up before physical activities
· Maintain flexibility with stretching exercises
· If you increase the level of your workout, make sure to ease into it. Don’t make quick changes to intensity