Achilles Tendon Rupture: Symptoms & Treatment

What is an Achilles Tendon Rupture?

When the Achilles tendon breaks or tears into two separate pieces, it is called an Achilles tendon rupture. The Achilles is the largest tendon in the human body, connecting the heel bone to the calf in the back of the leg. It plays an important role in any activity that propels you forward, such as walking, running, and jumping.

Ruptures of the Achilles tendon usually occur approximately 4-6 centimeters above the heel bone. This area has poor blood supply, making it susceptible to injury while also limiting the tendon’s ability to heal on its own.

If an Achilles tendon rupture has knocked you down, our foot and ankle specialists at Seaview Orthopaedics can help you heal your Achilles tendon and get you back on your feet.

What are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Rupture?

Before the Achilles tendon ruptures, you may feel an ache or pain in the lower back of your leg. This pain indicates that you may be suffering from Achilles tendinitis or disease in the Achilles, which can lead to a rupture if untreated.

If your Achilles tendon ruptures, you may hear a loud snap. The sound of the breaking tendon is often loud enough that it’s audible to other people. Other symptoms of Achilles tendon rupture include:

  • Pain and swelling in the area of the tendon.
  • Feeling as though you have been kicked, shot with an arrow, or hit with a stick from behind.
  • The inability to walk normally.

Causes & Risk Factors of an Achilles Tendon Rupture

An Achilles tendon rupture is caused by an overstretching of the Achilles tendon. Many situations can cause the Achilles tendon to break, such as falling or stepping into a hole unexpectedly. An Achilles tendon rupture is particularly common in people who play sports and for men in their 30s.

Other factors that may put you at a higher risk for a ruptured Achilles tendon include:

  • Engaging in intense physical activity without properly warming up or stretching.
  • Untreated Achilles tendinitis or disease, which can degrade the tendon and make it more likely to rupture.
  • Irregular physical activity or increasing your activity level too quickly.

How is an Achilles Tendon Rupture Treated?

Treatment is necessary for an Achilles tendon rupture, and management options include both a surgical and non-surgical approach. 

Non-surgical Treatment

Patients who choose not to undergo surgery to repair an Achilles tendon rupture are typically placed into a cast. At the start of treatment, the foot is set at a full point, which helps to push the Achilles tendon back together.

Over a period of 6-12 weeks, the cast is progressively adjusted to bring the foot from a plantar-flexed (pointed) position to a dorsiflexed position, with the toes pointing back toward the shin. This helps to stretch the healing tendon back to a normal length, preventing future stiffness.

The risk of re-rupturing the tendon with non-operative treatment is high. Many studies have shown that around 33% of patients re-rupture their Achilles after completion of a non-operative treatment.

Surgical Treatment

Surgery to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon is generally the preferred treatment for patients who are young and healthy. The estimated risk of re-rupture for operative treatment is estimated at just 3%.

How Can You Prevent An Achilles Tendon From Rupturing?

While an Achilles tendon rupture can happen unexpectedly, there are steps you can take to prevent it:

  • Taking the time to warm up and stretch before any intense physical activity.
  • Engaging in regular physical activity throughout the week.
  • Increasing your activity level slowly.
  • Addressing any tightness or tendonitis before it gets worse.
  • Alternating between lower-impact and high-impact activities.

When to See a Doctor for Achilles Tendon Pain

If you are experiencing persistent pain in your Achilles tendon, you should see your doctor to treat any tendonitis or other issues before they get worse. In addition, if you hear a loud snap, especially if accompanied by pain and an inability to walk normally, you will want to be evaluated by a trained professional in foot and ankle disorders as soon as possible.

Schedule an Appointment with Seaview Orthopaedics today. 

Meet Dr. Aron Green

Dr. Green specializes in all aspects of care of the foot and ankle including total ankle arthroplasty, post traumatic and congenital reconstruction, reconstruction of acquired deformities, sports injuries, and diabetic/rheumatologic foot care.

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