How to Differ Between Tendonitis and Tendon Rupture?
Symptom wise, tendonitis causes only pain and some restriction of movement of the foot, but still one can walk and even run after taking painkillers. In tendon rupture, pain is minimal and not being able to walk is the main complaint. A few simple tests help to detect if you have a tendon rupture: • Standing on your toes on the affected side. If you are able to do this, then you are not having tendon rupture, but if this act results in sudden pain, then you could be having a partial tear. • Squeezing calf test (Thompson test). You lie on your stomach, bend your leg 90 degrees in the knees and ask someone to squeeze your calf and observe the foot. If your foot moves up and down automatically with each squeeze, then your Achilles tendon is not ruptured. Though these differentiations are quite specific, your orthopedician might want to confirm the diagnosis with investigations, like: • Ultrasound of the ankle • Magnetic Resonance Investigation (MRI ) of the ankle Investigations, like X-ra
