What is a ruptured Achilles?
A ruptured Achilles tendon is when the fibrous tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone tears. This often happens during intense activities that involve sudden pushes off the foot or quick direction changes. The injury can make walking and playing sports very difficult.
At Penn Orthopaedics, our skilled surgeons and sports medicine physicians have extensive experience diagnosing and treating all causes of foot and ankle pain, including Achilles tears.
Symptoms of a ruptured Achilles tendon
A ruptured Achilles tendon can cause noticeable pain and difficulty moving the affected leg. You may experience:
- Sudden, sharp pain in the back of the ankle or calf
- Popping or snapping sensations in the area
- Swelling and bruising in the calf
- Trouble walking or standing on tiptoes
- Weakness or stiffness in the injured leg
What can cause an Achilles tendon to rupture?
Too much stress or strain can cause the Achilles tendon to partially tear or rupture completely. Common culprits include:
- Rapid increase in the intensity of physical activity
- Tight or weak calf muscles
- Wearing improper footwear during exercise
- Certain medications that weaken tendons
- Age-related wear and tear on the tendons
Diagnosing a torn Achilles tendon
To diagnose a ruptured Achilles tendon, your care provider will review your medical history and ask you about recent activities that may have caused the injury. You’ll likely undergo a physical exam, specifically the Thompson test, where your doctor gently squeezes your calf to check if the foot moves. A lack of movement may indicate a rupture. Imaging tests are done to confirm the diagnosis and determine the extent of the tendon tear.
Treatment for ruptured Achilles
Treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture depends on the severity of the injury. Nonsurgical options include immobilizing the foot with a cast or boot, followed by physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility. In more severe cases, surgery may be needed to repair and reinforce the damaged tendon. Rehabilitation exercises are essential for recovery, helping to restore strength and flexibility over time.
Tips for protecting the Achilles tendon from ruptures or tears
Preventing an Achilles rupture involves taking simple steps to protect your tendons during physical activity:
- Gradually increase the intensity of your workouts.
- Alternate high-impact activities like running and jumping with low-impact movements like swimming or cycling.
- Stretch and strengthen your calf muscles regularly.
- Wear—and regularly replace—proper footwear suited for your activities.
Advanced care every step of the way
Penn Orthopaedics provides a full range of treatments for foot and ankle conditions, including Achilles ruptures. Our team ensures seamless, high-quality care from diagnosis and treatment to rehabilitation and recovery. If nonsurgical options don’t bring relief, our surgeons use advanced techniques backed by the latest research to repair damaged tissue, using minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to reduce scarring and downtime. Our physical therapists provide personalized support throughout your recovery, helping you regain strength and mobility and meet your goals for an active lifestyle.