This article assumes that you are aware of the current litigation involving the drug Levaquin and its links to tendon ruptures and tendinitis injuries. On July 8, 2008, The Food and Drug Administration ordered the manufacturer to add a black box warning to the drug, alerting people that it carries a significant risk of serious adverse affects. If you or a loved one has used Levaquin and experienced a tendon rupture or related injury, you may have a legal claim. What causes Tendinitis? Tendons are cords of tough, fibrous connective tissue that attach muscles to bones and are found throughout the entire human body. Tendinitis is the inflammation and irritation of these tendons. Tendinitis is most often caused by repetitive, minor impact on the affected area, or from a sudden more serious injury. There are many activities that can cause tendinitis, including tasks around the house such as gardening, raking, or shoveling, to sports activities such as tennis, golf, skiing, or throwing and pitching. A person’s risk is increased if they have poor posture or fail to do the proper stretching and conditioning before exercise. Other risks include an abnormal or poorly placed bone or joint that stresses soft-tissue structures. Examples include arthritis in a joint or having a length difference in your extremities. Stresses from other conditions, such as rheumatoid arthitis, psoriatic arthritis, or thyroid disorders, or unusual reactions to medication may also put your at risk. What causes a tendon rupture? Tendons are strong. The forces applied to a tendon may be more than five times your body weight. Although they are strong, they are not very flexible, so they can only go so far before they get inflamed and rupture (break or tear). A tendon rupture can be a serious problem and may result in excruciating pain and permanent disability if left untreated. Although fairly uncommon, conditions that make a rupture more likely include the injection of steroids into a tendon, certain diseases such as gout or hyperparathyroidism, having type O blood, and using fluroquinolone antibiotics. Each type of tendon rupture has its own signs and symptoms and can be treated either surgically or medically depending on the severity of the rupture. The four most common areas of tendon rupture include the Achilles, quadriceps, rotator cuff, and biceps. What is an Achilles Tendon rupture? The Achilles Tendon, or heel cord, is the largest and most vulnerable tendon in the body. It connects the powerful calf muscles to the heel bone. When the calf muscles contract, the tendon is tightened, pulling the heel and allowing you to point your foot, rise on your toes and push off your foot as you walk. Therefore, it is vital to such activities such as walking, running and jumping. A tear through this tendon is called an Achilles tendon rupture and usually occurs about two inches above the heel bone. A tear may be complete or partial and occurs when the tendon is stretched beyond its capacity. Forceful jumping or pivoting, or sudden accelerations of running, can overstretch the tendon and cause a tear. This is especially so if you are taking part in an activity that you are not conditioned for or for which you have not stretched properly, such as playing tennis, racquetball or basketball for the first time after a long break, although even highly conditioned athletes may rupture an Achilles tendon. Sometimes, though, injuries can occur from simply putting too much stress on your Achilles tendon in the course of a simple activity, such as gardening. An injury to the tendon can also result from falling or tripping. The tendon can also just simply grow weak and thin with age and lack of use, causing it to become prone to injury or rupture. Certain illnesses, such as arthritis and diabetes, and medications, such as corticosteroids and some antibiotics, can also increase the risk of rupture. If you or a loved one has experienced a ruptured tendon or tendinitis from Levaquin use, you may have a legal claim. Please contact an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your options. Do not delay, as cases are subject to time limits and statute of limitations issues. If you do not file your claim in time, you can lose your legal rights to compensation forever. This article should not be construed as legal or medical advice.
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This article assumes that you are aware of the current litigation involving the drug Levaquin and its links to tendon ruptures and tendinitis injuries. On July 8, 2008, The Food and Drug Administration ordered the manufacturer to add a black box warning to the drug, alerting people that it carries a significant risk of serious adverse affects. If you or a loved one has used Levaquin and experienced a tendon rupture or related injury, you may have a legal claim. What causes Tendinitis?
Tiffany Lively is author of this article on Levaquin Side Effects. Find more information about Levaquin Lawsuit here.
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