What Is an Achilles Tendon Rupture?
The Achilles tendon is a cordlike tissue in your lower leg. It attaches your calf muscle to your heel bone. An Achilles tendon rupture, also called an Achilles tear, is when the tissue fibers in your Achilles tendon tear.
The rupture can occur in one of several places:
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By your heel bone
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In the middle of your Achilles tendon
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Where your muscle attaches to your tendon
Achilles Tendonitis vs. Achilles Tendon Rupture
The two main Achilles injuries are Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendon rupture. Achilles tendonitis is inflammation in your tendon. Overusing your tendon causes the injury. It becomes worse over time. The small fibers of the Achilles tendon may slightly break, swell, or thicken.
An Achilles tendon rupture happens suddenly. It is usually a full tear through the tendon.
Why Choose University of Utah Health?
At U of U Health, our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons can help you get back to your daily activities. Their extensive training in foot and ankle surgeries leads to better safety and outcomes for you.
We are also an academic medical center and a referral center for the Mountain West region. We treat a high volume of patients, and our surgeons treat all types of Achilles tendon rupture. Our surgeons have the experience and skill to repair your tendon, whether your injury is routine or complex.
Coming to us for care means you will have a team of specialists supporting you. Your surgeon coordinates with sports psychiatry and physical therapy experts. Our team members work together to protect your well-being, treat your injury, and help you heal.
What Causes an Achilles Tendon Rupture?
An Achilles tendon rupture happens during a forceful landing on your foot. You may have a rupture if you suddenly stress your ankle while your toes point sharply upward.
There are several common causes of a ruptured Achilles tendon:
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Complications of tendonitis
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Falling or tripping and landing on your ankle
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Playing sports such as tennis, pickleball, basketball, football, and skiing
How to Prevent Achilles Tendon Rupture
The key to preventing Achilles tendon rupture is stretching and strengthening your tendon. This will help keep your ankle from stretching too far or landing in a bad position.
There are several ways you can help prevent Achilles tendon rupture:
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Increase training intensity slowly.
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Strengthen your calf muscles.
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Stretch your Achilles tendon.
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Warm up before exercise.
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Work out within your ability level.
Achilles Tendon Rupture Symptoms
There are several common Achilles tendon rupture symptoms:
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Feeling like you were kicked or hit in the back of your ankle
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Feeling or hearing a pop in your ankle
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Sudden pain in the back of your ankle
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Swelling in your ankle
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Bruising in your ankle and foot
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Pain when you walk
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“Dent” in your ankle where tendon is torn
People who already have tendonitis may feel sudden relief from pain when their Achilles tendon ruptures. This is because the tear interrupts the pain from tendonitis.
Can You Walk With a Ruptured Achilles Tendon?
Most people are able to walk, but it will be painful. It is best to stay off your feet and seek treatment right away.
When to See a Foot & Ankle Surgeon for a Ruptured Achilles
Seek care right away if you feel like you were kicked in the back of the ankle or hear a pop in your ankle. The faster you are able to support your ankle, the easier it will be to heal the injury.
The Injury Clinic at University Orthopaedic Center offers same-day appointments and extended hours. Specialists at the clinic can diagnose your injury and connect you to a foot and ankle surgeon if needed.
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Ruptured Achilles Diagnosis
We offer several diagnostic tests for ruptured Achilles tendon:
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Physical examinations test your ankle function, calf reflexes, and foot tension. Your provider might have you lie on your stomach with your feet hanging over the edge of an exam table. You likely have a ruptured Achilles if your provider squeezes your calf muscle and your foot doesn’t automatically flex.
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Ultrasound uses sound waves to create real-time images of the tendon. These help identify tears, inflammation, and changes in tendon structure.
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MRI scans use magnetic fields and radio waves to create images that show whether the tendon has torn off the bone in severe cases.
Achilles Tendon Rupture Treatments
An Achilles tendon rupture will heal on its own. However, it might not heal well without treatment. You want to make sure the tendon heals at the right length and tension. Surgery and nonsurgical treatments help make sure you heal properly.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Achilles Tendon Rupture
Your provider may recommend nonsurgical treatment if you are at a higher risk of complications from surgery. Nonsurgical treatments help stop your injured tendon from moving and prevent swelling:
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RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method—Resting your tendon by using crutches gives the injury time to heal. Ice, compression, and elevating your ankle above your heart can bring down swelling and inflammation.
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Medical boots and heel lifts—Using a boot or heel lift (a wedge placed in your shoe, underneath your heel) helps support your ankle. These devices hold your foot in a position that keeps the ruptured tendon edges closer together.
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Physical therapy—Working with a physical therapist will help you regain strength and movement in your tendon.
Achilles Tendon Rupture Surgery
Surgery may be a good option for people who are less active and people with tendonitis. Your provider may recommend Achilles tendon rupture surgery for several reasons:
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Lower risk of tearing your tendon again in the first six months after treatment
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More successful healing for people with tendonitis
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Slightly better, more reliable push-off strength in the ankle
Your surgeon will make a small incision in the back of your heel. They use strong, string-like sutures to tie knots in your tendon. They pull on these sutures to tie your tendon back together. If needed, your surgeon will also use anchors to attach your tendon to the bone. You won’t feel any pain because you will be under anesthesia. The surgery takes about an hour.
Recovery Time for a Ruptured Achilles Tendon
Recovery from an Achilles tendon rupture can take a long time. Recovery plans and timelines may vary based on your provider, injury, and overall health. Your recovery can be longer or shorter than someone else who is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon. Generally, it can take about six months to return to sports and a year to achieve full recovery. Our team is here to support you as you heal.
If you had surgery, you will have follow-up appointments to make sure your incision heals properly. Your surgeon will then remove your sutures. You will need to use a boot with a heel lift. For nonsurgical treatment, you will have a medical boot with heel lifts and crutches.
Your doctor will also refer you to physical therapists. They will help you reduce muscle loss and support your healing. Your doctor will give you a schedule to gradually stop using shoe wedges and return to activities.
Schedule an Appointment with a Foot & Ankle Specialist
You do not need a referral to see a foot and ankle specialist, but your insurance plan may require one. Check with your insurance provider before you call. You can get a referral to see our orthopedic specialists from several providers:
- Your primary care provider
- A provider in the urgent care or emergency room
- A provider at our walk-in Orthopaedic Injury Clinic
When you're ready to schedule, contact our Orthopaedic Services at 801-587-7109 to make an appointment.
