What is the cause of Tendon Tears or Ruptured Tendons in older adults?

Tendon rupture is more prevalent in middle-aged or older individuals. In a young person, the muscle will tear before the attached tendon does. However, in the elderly and people with underlying diseases, tendon ruptures occur more frequently.

Major causes of tendon rupture include:

• Trauma
• Old age: As a person gets older, the blood supply reduces. This implies that blood going to the tendon is reduced, resulting in a gradual weakening of the tendon.
• Eccentric loading. This involves the contraction of the muscle when it is stretched in the opposite direction. Eccentric loading increases the stress that is placed on the tendon.
• Injection of steroids into the tendon. This method is sometimes used to treat severe tendonitis.
• Some antibiotics, like fluoroquinolones, may cause tendon rupture or increase the risk of it. The Achilles tendon is the most susceptible.
  

Rupture of the quadriceps tendon may be due to:

• Trauma to the knee, just above the knee cap.
• Old age. This causes a reduction in blood supply to the tendon.
  

If you experience the following signs and symptoms after an injury, then you may have a ruptured tendon:

• An audible pop or snap
• Pain – very severe
• Immediate or rapid bruising
• Weakness
• Inability to make use of the affected leg or arm
• Deformity of the affected region
• Inability to bear the weight
• Deformity of the area
  

The content provided in our Foot & Ankle Patients guides is meant for informational purposes only and should not be used for self-diagnosis. We kindly ask you to contact any of our clinics to arrange an appointment with one of our skilled doctors.