The tendon that connects the muscles and bones in the human body is called the Achilles tendon. Located on the back of the ankle, it is the most important tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel. In daily life, sudden running or jumping can easily injure the Achilles tendon. Once injured, not only will walking become difficult, but it will also cause severe pain. So what should you do if you injure your Achilles tendon?
Keep your toes pointed
After injuring your Achilles tendon, remember not to curl your foot, but to keep your toes pointed and the top of your foot stretched. This will help to minimize the length of the injured area and reduce stretching of the injured surface.
Apply local cold compress
After injuring your Achilles tendon, apply local cold compress or ice immediately. Place a towel soaked in cold water or an ice pack on the affected area. This not only helps to relieve pain, but also reduces local swelling.
Immobilize the limb
If you are unable to continue walking after injuring your Achilles tendon, in order to prevent further injury from movement, the affected area needs to be immobilized. Wrap a bandage around a splint that is as long as from the toes to the knee, tie the ends securely, and immobilize the ankle joint.
Seek medical attention promptly
After performing the above simple procedures, the injured person should be safely escorted to the hospital by a companion for medical treatment. It is important to promptly assess the severity of the injury and take appropriate medical measures.
Tips
Achilles tendon injuries often occur due to sudden intense physical activity. Therefore, it is essential to adequately warm up and stretch the muscles before engaging in sports activities. This can fundamentally reduce the risk of Achilles tendon injuries.