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1275938 tn?1281195461

Achilles Tendon

In Oct. 2009 my husband tore his achilles heel acoording to the x-ray from the E.R. Since then he has done nothing about it. He keeps walking on it, what little walking he can do. He is in constant pain and has severe cramps. It is swollen and today it is turning black&blue  again. Also it looks like tiny blood vessels are popping up. My ? is what kind of other complications can occur if he doesnt get medical help? The E.R. Dr. told him he needed to see a specialist and most likely need surgery. I am thinking at this point it may be ruptured b/c of the way his calf feels. It just feels like there is nothing there! I am afraid of blood clots and it being damaged to the point he will never be able to walk! Please I need answer quickly so maybe he will get treatment. He says he is waiting on insurance to kick in but it could be next year. Thanks , anxiously waiting on your reply
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784558 tn?1276007829
I damaged an Achilles tendon about 2  months ago,, due to trying out a 'new' running style. The pain was not too intense, but I noticed that a lump had developed above the ankle, just above shoe level. The Doc. said I needed an Ultra-sound check ~ not available for circa. 2 to 3 months. I'm training for an event that will certainly test it out. Doc. knew that I would not 'rest up' for a couple of months as he recommended, but I assured him I'd not run through any pain barriers.( Know of several instances where the tendon's become detached completely & that they needed months of time in a plaster cast to immobilise it. I've continued to train fairly hard, but not pushed beyond a reasonable limit. The lump remains, no pain, sometimes a dull ache. But unless there's pain my intention's to carry on & ignore it. Pain's the way nature indicates you need medical attention. Only fools (like me) ignore it. Suspect that the lump's just scar tissue. An appointment's due next Sat. My event's in Holland, Nijmegen 4 day Marches in July. Won't submit to any investigative surgery until after that's over. At 76 I'm told that it's due to overuse etc. Running to land on forepart of foot caused it ~ have always landed heel first without trouble. Marathons have never caused problems. Wonder how your husband did his injury? Lesson = Don't try anything new without lots of research! Hope he gets attention soon. If the tendon detaches he'll certainly know about it. Snap!!
Best wishes, George
Suggest Googling it.
Helpful - 0
1275938 tn?1281195461
Wow...my husband is just 49 and he just stepped wrong and he heard it pop. The ex-ray showed it was torn and to see a specialist, but here it is 9 months later still no DR. He also has a lump in the same place. He also ignores it but I worry about blood clots etc. He is not in as good of health as u sound. Hes a smoker, drinks some, no exercise and doesnt eat well. He has been lookin bad and going down hill ever since this has happened. He gets bad cramps at night and cant sleep. Takes nothing for pain except Stanbacks that dont help so Im just worried you know? I believe it has snapped already from what he has told me. Well thank u for the advice and I hope you get better and  have fun at the race! Oh and Good luck with your Dr.visit, hope all turns out well!
Best wishes to you
Nadine
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Hi,there! Your husband really needs to see a Dr.Where do you live? I don't know alot about it but I do know a few people that have torn their achilles and had to have them re attached surgically. They can just try to immobilize but this has gone on way to long for your husband.& for you for that matter! Worrying is terrible for your own health.I would make some noise about getting in to see someone. Good luck to you!      By any chance do you live in Canada?
Helpful - 0
1275938 tn?1281195461
Hi! No we live in Georgia. I know he should have already seen a Dr. believe me I am on him everyday but with no luck. We have no medical insurance and he is the sole provider and he cant miss work for months or we will be on the street! I wonder if he could get disibility but he would have to quit work, then they will have to determan if he is disabled, he has no medical records from other Dr. visits b/c he dont go to the  b/c you have to pay a huge down payment when you dont have insurance and we just dont have it! Plus we cant find one that will work with us on payments. If I could assure him that he would get disibility at least until he gets well Im sure I could convince him to get to a DR. Like I said I worry about bloodclots and Diabetes or just losing his foot in general b/c he doesnt see a Dr. I dont know what all could happen if he doesnt get medical attention, but he just seems to not worry about it! IDK what to do. If I could just get a Dr. to talk to me and be honest. Well thanks PedroH have a great day!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Are you around a university hospital? I know that learning hospitals used to work w/ a person.I know that men are stubborn but if som of them could only see beyond their noses and realize what this may be doing in the long term.-I am married to one just like that!ha!- Anyway,maybe try and call SSI as well to get a feel on the disbility side of things.It has been several years since  have lived in the states so not familar w/things any me. I don't believe he is @ any higher risk of blood clots than he would be without the injury. I do know that w/my injuries thefirst thing they asked is about smoking.Luckily,I had quit 2 yrs. before but then again they blame everything on smoking!Ha!-I am still a smoker @ heart!-I will keep my eyes and ears open for anything that may be of help to you.I do think that a university hosp. may be your best bet.  Take care of youself as well!
Helpful - 0
1275938 tn?1281195461
Yes, there is one about 45 miles away. I will try that thanks! I know what you mean and mine does not like the Drs. or hospitals. When he walks into one he turns ghost white! LoL..But he is getting so much worse that he wants to do something about it. Im going to make the call to the university hospital today. Thanks again for your help!
I thought a Dr. would answer ?'s in this forum?  Oh and he is a 2 pack a day smoker!
Helpful - 0
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