Structure and function of the foot in the context of Achilles tendon rupture – cause-effect analysis

Abstract

Introduction and objective: Achilles tendon rupture is the most common sports injury. The aim of the study was to analyse the cause-effect correlation between the occurrence of foot dysfunction and Achilles tendon rupture in male athletes. Materials and methods: The study included 41 men who were treated for Achilles tendon rupture, and a control group of 40 men who met the same criteria, but had no history of Achilles tendon rupture. Each participant underwent the following examinations: orthopaedic examination, plain standing foot radiographs, and foot examination on the gait platform. The final stage was an experimental study in the field of biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system of the lower limbs, with an assessment of forces arising in the Achilles tendon and statistical analyses of all obtained results. Results: Plain foot radiographs and examination on the gait platform showed that the feet in the study group had significantly more abnormalities compared to the control group. Planovalgus foot deformity was far more frequent in the study group on plain radiographs. The forefoot was overloaded much more often in the study group, and the foot was placed in excessive abduction, which is characteristic of planovalgus foot. The experimental study shows that the force in the Achilles tendon increases with increasing load on the forefoot. Conclusions: Planovalgus foot deformity in male athletes with a history of ruptured Achilles tendon is the most common foot pathology, significantly increasing the forces transmitted by the Achilles tendon.