Ruptured Achilles Tendons

What is a Ruptured Achilles Tendons?

The Achilles tendon is the muscular cord that connects the robust muscles in the back of your calf to your heel bone. If you overstretch your Achilles tendon, it may tear. If you completely tear through the tendon, it is called an Achilles tendon rupture.

An Achilles rupture, or tear, is often the result of cogent jumping, pivoting, or running injuries. Falls/tripping incidents can also cause the Achille tendon to rupture.

A sudden, sharp pain in the back of the ankle is usually the sign of an acute Achilles tendon rupture. Patients may even feel a burst of the tendon and often patients relay that it feels like being hit in the back of the leg.

Although minor tears may not be immediately noticeable, walking may be difficult and standing on your toes may be impossible. Patients may experience a loss of strength and feel an evident gap in the tendon.

Surgical Treatment for Ruptured Achilles Tendons

Some patients may benefit from surgery to repair a fully ruptured Achilles tendon. The goal of the surgery is to repair the tendon by stitching it back together. However, in some cases, the damaged part (or the entire tendon) may need to be removed and replaced with tissues taken from another area of your foot.

Nonsurgical Achilles Tendon Treatment

For other patients, it may be best to avoid surgery. Nonsurgical treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture focuses on allowing the tendon to heal naturally while it’s immobilized in a boot. Early functional weight-bearing is a key part of Achilles tendon rehabilitation for surgical and nonsurgical management.