As personal injury lawyers in Chicago, Morici, Longo & Associates have represented a lot of clients that have suffered from a ruptured Achilles tendon. This type of injury is extremely painful and causes a huge hindrance upon the injured party.
The Achilles tendon is the strongest and thickest tendon in the human body. It connects the gastrocnemius and soleus; the tendon begins in the middle part of the calf and runs to through the back of the ankle. This injury is the result of a forced dorsiflexion or plantarflexion of the ankle outside it normal range of motion. Chicago personal injury attorney Jim Morici explains: “Chicago auto accident victims can endure this type of injury from the force of being rear ended as the driver. The foot’s normal position moving from the gas to brake leaves the Achilles tendon vulnerable to injury."
Athletes are also very vulnerable to this type of injury and could be considered a traumatic career-ending injury in some cases. Morici, Longo & Associates highly recommend their clients to seek out the best possible care for their condition. We suggest top physicians from University Chicago Hospital, Northwestern Memorial Hosiptal, RUSH University Medical Center, and Loyola Medical Center.
Many of our clients complain of severe pain starting in the ankle and traveling up through the calf muscle. Some people hear a “pop” or “snap” followed by a severe burning pain. Swelling and inflammation are both significant signs of a ruptured Achilles tendon.
We encourage our clients to obtain an MRI. MRI’s are the most significant form evidence that helps to diagnose a ruptured Achilles tendon. Extensive rehabilitation is an important yet painful process towards recovery.
Surgery is another option, and is mandatory for the more severe ruptures. There are two types of surgery to repair a rupture. Open surgery consists of a single large incision at the back of the leg. The tendon is then stitched up to repair the damage. Percutaneous is the other form of surgery consisting of multiple smaller incisions to correct the rupture.
A ruptured Achilles tendon is a very serious injury. If you would like to learn if you have legal options, please contact Morici, Longo & Associates to schedule a free case review with a Chicago personal injury lawyer.