Ruptured Achilles Tendon

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is the thick tendon at the back of the lower leg. It is the combined tendon of the calf muscles (Gastrocnemius and Soleus) and inserts onto the heel bone (calcaneus).

A rupture is a complete tear of the tendon. This occurs after a sudden strong force through the calf muscles, or is sometimes associated with degeneration of the tendon in conditions such as achilles tendonitis. A partial tear may also occur.

Symptoms

Symptoms of a torn achilles tendon include:

A sudden sharp pain at the back of the ankle, although often a full rupture is less painful than a partial one!
Often there is a loud snapping or popping sound.
Bruising and swelling develop later.
It may be possible to walk but there is usually a limp.
Plantarflexion (pointing the foot away or standing on tip toes) is considerably weaker.

Treatment

Treatment of an achilles tendon rupture will take one of two route:

The two ends of the tendon are reattached via surgery. The ankle is then casted with the tendon in a shortened position to allow it to heel.
Surgery is not undertaken and the ankle is casted with the tendon in a shortened position to allow it to heal naturally.

Whichever method of treatment is undertaken, a substantial rehabilitation programme is required to regain full mobility and strength in the achilles.