Achilles tendon rupture

Even though the Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in your body, it’s still vulnerable to painful injuries like Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendon rupture.

If you suffer an Achilles injury, you can find the most effective treatments at Advocate Health Care. With skillful diagnosis and treatment, sports medicine and orthopedic doctors will get you back to enjoying your sports or athletic activities.

Risk factors for Achilles tendon rupture

Achilles tendon ruptures are more common among people in their 30s to 50s who participate in high-impact sports or exercise occasionally (often referred to as weekend warriors). Individuals with less regular conditioning are more vulnerable to various injuries, including Achilles tendon rupture. Other risk factors include:

• Use of certain antibiotics (fluoroquinolones)
• Previous steroid injections
• Poor conditioning before exercise
• Overexertion
• Diabetes

Can you walk with a ruptured Achilles tendon?

While it’s possible to walk with a ruptured Achilles tendon, you’ll likely experience swelling and sharp pain at the Achilles injury site. Pushing off with your foot or bearing weight on the affected leg may be challenging.

Seek medical attention promptly if you suspect an Achilles tendon injury. Delaying treatment can lead to improper healing and subsequent loss of strength and function in the foot and ankle.

How long does it take to recover from Achilles tendon rupture?

Full Achilles tendon rupture recovery time may take several months to a year.

People who undergo nonsurgical Achilles tendon rupture treatment typically take longer to return to work compared to those who have surgical Achilles tendon rupture treatment.

Consult your doctor and physical therapist to learn the most accurate estimate of your Achilles tendon rupture recovery time based on your specific injury and overall health.

Signs & symptoms of Achilles tendon rupture

People who sustain an Achilles tendon rupture often hear a popping sound or feel a popping sensation at the Achilles injury site. Sudden pain, similar to being hit in the back of the leg, is common. Additionally, it becomes difficult to bend the front of the injured foot downward. Other symptoms include:

• Swelling on the back of the injured leg between the heel and the calf
• Difficulty walking, especially upstairs or uphill
• Difficulty rising up on the toes
• Heel pain

Ruptured Achilles tendon diagnosis

Your doctor will inquire about when and how your potential Achilles tendon symptoms began. They’ll also review your medical history, paying attention to any previous injuries or symptoms in the area of the Achilles tendon.

The physical examination will focus on the painful area, assessing your range of motion and strength in the injured foot compared to the other foot.

Typically, an Achilles tendon rupture is diagnosed based on symptoms and exam results. In some cases, imaging tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions that cause heel pain and ankle pain such as plantar fasciitis.

Achilles tendon rupture treatment

Your doctor will collaborate with you to determine the most appropriate treatment. For individuals with less active lifestyles or certain underlying conditions, nonsurgical treatments may be recommended to avoid the risks associated with surgery.

However, more active individuals often undergo surgical treatments for Achilles tendon ruptures. Surgical intervention tends to result in better retention of strength in the injured foot and an increased likelihood of returning to previous levels of athletic activity.

Nonsurgical treatment for a ruptured Achilles tendon

Nonsurgical treatment for a ruptured Achilles tendon involves the following steps:

• Application of a cast: A cast is applied to the foot and lower leg, holding the toes pointing downward. This position brings the torn ends of the tendon closer together, allowing them to potentially grow back together.
• Physical therapy: After approximately 10 weeks of wearing the cast, you’ll begin several months of physical therapy. The goal is to regain strength and range of motion in the foot and ankle.
• Orthotic devices: Your doctor and physical therapist will advise you about using heel lifts or orthotic devices in your shoes to continue to support your healing Achilles tendon.

Nonsurgical treatment for a ruptured Achilles tendon avoids the risks of surgery. However, there is a risk that the tendon ends may not fully grow back together or may heal in a way that results in a longer but weaker tendon.

Evidence suggests that individuals who undergo nonsurgical treatment are more likely to experience another Achilles tendon tear compared to those who have surgical treatment.

Surgical treatment for a ruptured Achilles tendon

Achilles tendon rupture surgery is performed differently based on the nature of each injury. The two ends of the ruptured tendon are brought together, and sutures are used to sew them. Whenever possible, minimally invasive techniques are used.

As with any surgery, there is a risk of wound infection and bad reactions to anesthesia. Poor blood supply around the Achilles tendon contributes to the surgical risk of skin breakdown during the healing process.

After surgery, you’ll wear a splint for a time. Just like with nonsurgical treatment, you’ll need physical therapy and orthotic devices over several months.

How can I prevent an Achilles tendon rupture injury?

To reduce the risk of Achilles tendon injuries:

• Warm up and cool down: Prioritize warming up before sports or exercise and cooling down afterward.
• Engage in regular activity: Regular participation in activities helps keep your muscles and tendons conditioned.
• Practice cross-training: Engaging in different sports or exercises helps reduce the risk of injuries caused by overuse or repetitive movements.
• Consider low-impact activities: Exercises like swimming, biking, and elliptical exercise put less stress on the Achilles tendon.