What happens if you snap a tendon in your foot?
When tendons become injured or torn, it can cause pain, swelling, weakness in the foot and ankle, and discomfort when standing, walking or playing sports.
Can you walk on a snapped tendon?
The quick answer is yes, typically you can walk with a torn ligament or tendon in the foot. Walking may be painful but you can typically still walk. For example, the Posterior Tibialis Tendon runs down the back of the shin, behind the middle bump of the ankle (medial malleolus) and to the bottom of the foot.
Will a snapped tendon heal?
It may take weeks or months for a tendon injury to heal. Be patient, and stay with your treatment. If you start using the injured tendon too soon, it can lead to more damage. To keep from hurting your tendon again, you may need to make some long-term changes to your activities.
How long does a snapped tendon take to heal?
Healing can take up to 12 weeks. The injured tendon may need to be supported with a splint or cast to take tension off of the repaired tendon. Physical therapy or occupational therapy is usually necessary to return movement in a safe manner. Expect movement to return gradually, with some stiffness.
How do you tell if you tore a tendon in your foot?
Ruptured Tendon Symptoms
- A snap or pop you hear or feel.
- Severe pain.
- Rapid or immediate bruising.
- Marked weakness.
- Inability to use the affected arm or leg.
- Inability to move the area involved.
- Inability to bear weight.
- Deformity of the area.
What can you do for a torn tendon in your foot?
Treatments
- Rest. You may need to take a break from any activities that put pressure on the injured tendon.
- Ice. Cold packs may help to reduce pain and swelling.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID).
- Brace or cast.
- Orthotics.
- Steroid (cortisone) injections.
- Exercise and physical therapy.
- Surgery.
Can torn tendons repair themselves?
If left unattended, the tendon will not heal on its own and you will have lasting repercussions. In such situations, a surgeon will access the injured tendon, perform repairs, and close the incision. This will be followed by several weeks of rest and physical therapy so you can heal and strengthen your body.
What does torn ligament in foot feel like?
Symptoms of a Torn Ligament in the Foot Swelling and bruising will occur at the site of injury. Pain and tenderness are concentrated on the top, bottom or the sides of your foot near the arch. Pain intensifies when walking or during other physical activity. Inability to bear weight on the injured foot.
Do Xrays show tendon damage?
X-rays do NOT show tendons, ligaments, nerves, cartilage or blood vessels. X-rays typically show bones and joints, and may, at times, show the absence of skin (e.g. infection).