Diagnosing and Treating a Ruptured Achilles Tendon

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It’s the largest and strongest tendon in your body. When overstretched, the Achilles tendon can tear - either partially or completely. 

This is what’s known as a ruptured Achilles tendon.

Symptoms of a Ruptured Achilles Tendon

When patients rupture their Achilles tendon, they will often report a “popping” sound followed immediately by a sharp pain in the back of their ankle. Often, the pain will impact their ability to walk normally.

Other symptoms of a torn Achilles tendon include:

  • Swelling around the heel

  • Severe pain above the heel

  • Inability to stand on your toes

  • Impacted range of motion when bending the foot downwards or pushing off the foot

  • A sensation of having been “kicked” in the calf

While it is possible to have no symptoms of a ruptured Achilles tendon, most patients experience multiple of the above symptoms. 

Achilles tendon tears are often a result of sudden, intense stress on the tendon. These tend to occur in athletes whose sports involve quickly speeding up, pivoting, or slowing down. For example:

  • Runners 

  • Skiers

  • Dancers

  • Gymnasts 

  • Field Sport Athletes (Football, Baseball, Soccer, etc.) 

  • Tennis Players

Patients can also rupture their Achilles tendon with repeated stress caused by routine high-impact activities. On average, a ruptured Achilles tendon is more likely to occur in a male between the ages of 30 and 40 years-old.

Diagnosing and Treating an Achilles Tendon

An Achilles tendon tear can easily be written off as a sprained ankle. It’s important to contact your orthopaedic physician immediately with any foot pain that impacts your ability to walk.

At your appointment, Dr. Elton and his team will perform a physical exam and possibly order an MRI or ultrasound. 

Once your ruptured Achilles tendon has been formally diagnosed, Dr. Elton will discuss treatment options.

Nonsurgical options for an Achilles tendon tear include:

  • Using crutches to allow the tendon to rest

  • Ice

  • A temporary walking boot or cast

  • Nonprescription pain relievers 

If caught early, nonsurgical treatments typically have positive results. However, recovery can take longer, and some studies suggest nonsurgical methods can increase the chance of re-tearing the tendon.

Surgery for repairing a ruptured Achilles tendon involves making a small incision in the calf. During this surgery, Dr. Elton will either repair the torn tendon by stitching it together.

Recovery for Achilles tendon surgery involves physical therapy to regain strength and stability in the tendon. Most patients can resume normal activities in four to six months. 

Schedule Your Appointment Today

If you think you’ve ruptured your Achilles tendon or are experiencing severe foot pain, Team Elton is here to help! Dr. Elton will work with you to diagnose your symptoms and recommend the best treatment for your lifestyle. 

Schedule your appointment with Dr. Elton today, and get back to doing the activities you love! 


Achilles Tendon, Ankle InjuriesTeam EltonAnkle, Achilles RupturesComment