Pulled Tendon

Top Reasons for a Pulled Tendon

A pulled tendon is usually painful, even when mild. The most common tendon in the body that becomes pulled is the Achilles tendon. Now, when we say pulled, this could be anything from the tendon being stretched, torn, or simply inflamed. In the case of inflammation, the condition would be known as Achilles tendonitis. With this, the ankle would experience pain and swelling, and it may be hot to the touch.

For the body to move, tendons play a vital role. In fact, tendons are also very strong and powerful, which consist of collagen fibers consisting of fibrous protein. While ligaments connect bone to bone and fascia muscle to muscle, the primary function of the tendon is to serve as a connection of muscle to bone. The tendon works with the muscle, using a type of push and pull motion, kind of like a rubber band.

Although the Achilles tendon is quite strong, it can experience injury in the form of a pulled tendon. When minor, healing does not take long but it requires the person to rest. If not, the minor injury of a pulled tendon can become quite serious to the point of surgery. If a pulled tendon is not treated properly and quickly, what happens is that the stretching of the tendon becomes so tight that it tears.

Now, if the pulled tendon has not yet torn but the person is not a good patient by staying off the feet, the doctor may recommend putting a cast on the leg to force rest. In addition to this, doctors will usually prescribe pain and anti-inflammatory medication during the healing process. If the leg were not placed in a cast, the individual would be advised to use cold compresses several times during the day to help reduce swelling. Again, if cared for properly, a mild pulled tendon will typically heal in about a week.

If someone knows that a pulled tendon is mild, he/she may be able to get by without seeing a doctor but it would be imperative to follow specific treatments to ensure proper healing. Some of the things that can be done at home include the following:

Stretching – Very slow and gently, stretch out the tendon by pointing the toe, which will help the tendon heal and strengthen it to avoid additional injury. For this, the goal is to stretch it but not to the point of causing extreme pain.

Lotions and Creams – Some of the deep heat lotions and creams sold at the local drug store would also provide relief from both pain and swelling.
Compresses – To reduce swelling, use a cold compress, alternated with a warm compress to help with pain.
Elevation – First, it would be important to stay off the feet and then keep them elevated to promote healing of the pulled tendon.
Massage – Finally, gently massaging the ankle with an antiseptic cream would also help with a pulled tendon to relax tensed up muscles.