Tendon Rupture
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - M66
What is a tendon rupture?
A tendon rupture is an injury that occurs when a tendon—the structure that connects muscle to bone—tears either partially or completely. This injury can result in intense pain, loss of mobility, and impairment of daily activities
Symptoms
Common symptoms of a tendon rupture include:
- sharp and sudden pain in the affected area
- swelling and tenderness around the injured tendon
- difficulty moving the joint normally
- a feeling of weakness or instability in the affected region
- a possible “popping” sound that may be heard by the patient at the moment of injury
Causes
Tendon ruptures can occur in many ways. Some of the most common causes include:
- direct trauma, such as falls, impacts, or sports-related accidents
- sudden or excessive movements that overload the tendon or a specific joint, especially during sports or professional activities
- aging and degeneration of tendon tissue over time
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a tendon rupture is usually made by an orthopedic specialist. The diagnostic process may include:
- a physical examination to assess range of motion, tenderness, and the presence of deformities in the affected area
- imaging tests, such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the injury
Treatment
treatment for a tendon rupture may vary depending on the severity of the injury and the location of the affected tendon. Treatment options may include:
- immobilization of the affected joint with splints, braces, or a cast to allow tissue healing
- physical therapy to reduce pain and inflammation
- pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications to alleviate discomfort and reduce swelling
- in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the partially or completely torn tendon and restore normal joint function
Prevention
Some measures can help prevent tendon ruptures, such as:
- performing proper warm-up exercises before engaging in intense physical activity, with guidance from health professionals focused on physical preparation
- avoiding sudden or excessive movements that may overload the tendons
- strengthening muscles and tendons through resistance training
- using appropriate protective equipment during sports or work activities that involve a risk of injury
- stretching and doing joint mobility exercises on days without intense physical exertion
If a tendon rupture is suspected, it is important to seek immediate medical evaluation for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Early treatment can help prevent complications and lead to better recovery with less pain
References
National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics – Tendon Inflammations
National Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics – Falls and Inflammations
Saúde e Bem-Estar
You may also be interested in reading about:
Condição Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury:
difficulty performing certain physical activities, especially those requiring quick movements and ch [...]
difficulty performing certain physical activities, especially those requiring quick moveme [...]
Doença Muscular Dystrophy:
a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. The most common [...]
a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. The m [...]
Condição Toe Fractures:
fractures of the toe bones are very common. These bones are called phalanges
fractures of the toe bones are very common. These bones are called phalanges
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury:
difficulty performing certain physical activities, especially those requiring quick movements and ch [...]
difficulty performing certain physical activities, especially those requiring quick moveme [...]
Muscular Dystrophy:
a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. The most common [...]
a group of genetic diseases that cause progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. The m [...]
Toe Fractures:
fractures of the toe bones are very common. These bones are called phalanges
fractures of the toe bones are very common. These bones are called phalanges