June 20th, 2019

// Torn Tendon? 4 Ways to Fix it and Get Back to Your Routine

Torn Tendon? 4 Ways to Fix it and Get Back to Your Routine

Even though healthy tendons are very strong, a rupture or tear can occur in the blink of an eye. If you have recently torn a tendon, then you must immediately come up with a comprehensive treatment plan that gets you back on your feet as quickly as possible.

Rest the Extremity

The first thing that you must do after a tendon injury is immobilize the affected extremity. Trying to push yourself through the pain could make the recovery period much longer, and will probably end up doing more damage to the tendon. For a severe tear, you will need to keep the extremity completely immobilized for at least four weeks. Minor tears usually heal within a week or two, but you must consult with your doctor before you resume any strenuous activities.

Ice the Area

There are a few different reasons why many doctors suggest icing tendon injuries. In addition to minimizing the swelling, icing is also going to dull the pain. When you are icing, you should never put the ice bag or cold pack directly on your skin. Prolonged exposure to ice could result in frostbite or permanent nerve damage. You also need to remove the ice pack every 15 or 20 minutes so that the soft tissue can warm back up.

Compression

Compression therapy is a very popular treatment option for injuries in the arms and legs. As soon as you are done icing the injury, you might want to put on a compression sleeve or bandage for 20 or 30 minutes. By compressing the area, you can reduce the inflammation and improve blood flow. While compression bandages can be very effective, you should only use them for a day or two. Wrapping the extremity for more than a few days will actually slow your recovery.

Visit a Medical Specialist

Most minor sprains will heal on their own, but you need to visit an orthopedic surgeonif the tendon is ruptured. Those types of injuries often require special procedures, and your tendon might not heal properly if you don’t have an operation carried out. An experienced medical team can also help you come up with a long-term therapy plan that strengthens all of the muscles that surround and support the tendon.

As a general rule, you should seek out medical attention if a tendon injury doesn’t heal after a day or two. You must also head to the hospital if your injury is accompanied by secondary side effects such as severe discoloration, a fever, or unbearable pain.

TRAIN IT RIGHT NEWSLETTER

Sign Up and get a free 7 day Train it Right HIIT Program!

Top