Conservative treatment of Achilles tendon partial tear in a futsal player: A case report

ABSTRACT

Background and purpose: Achilles tendon is the most commonly injured part in the lower limb, especially in athletes. Treatment options for Achilles tendinopathy and total rupture are well described; however, there is a lack of information regarding treatment protocols for partial tears. Thus, the purpose of this case report was to describe the examination, intervention and outcomes of patient who suffered an acute Achilles tendon partial tear. Case description: A case is described here, in which the diagnosis of Achilles tendon partial tear was based on both magnetic resonance imaging and physical evaluation. Both the patient and the physical therapy team opted for non-surgical treatment. A 12-week course of conservative treatment including exercise, tendon loading, electrical stimulation, and photobiomodulation is described. Outcomes: Ankle dorsiflexion range of motion and hop tests. Discussion: This case report demonstrated that non-surgical treatment for Achilles tendon partial tear was effective for this patient and enabled the athlete to return to pre-injury levels of activity 6 months following the injury.

KEYWORDS:

• Plantarflexors
• rehabilitation
• triceps surae

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.