Achilles Tendon Tear

An Achilles tendon tear is more than just a sports injury; it can affect anyone from athletes to weekend warriors to everyday walkers. This article explores the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of Achilles tendon injuries and offers guidance on recovery and prevention strategies.

At Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Greater Columbus, we specialize in treating complex foot and ankle conditions, including Achilles tendon disorders. If you’re suffering from heel or lower leg pain or think you may have a torn tendon, contact us today for expert evaluation and personalized care.

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What is an Achilles Tendon Tear?

The Achilles tendon is a band of strong, fibrous tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. This tendon enables you to perform essential movements such as walking, running, jumping, and standing on your toes. When it becomes overstretched or suffers trauma, it may result in a tear, which is either partial or complete.

An Achilles tendon tear, also known as an Achilles tendon rupture, can range in severity. A partial tear involves damage to some of the tendon fibers, while a complete rupture means the tendon has split into two. In both cases, the injury compromises your ability to move the ankle normally and bear weight on the injured foot.

What Causes an Achilles Tendon Rupture?

Understanding what leads to a ruptured Achilles tendon can help you minimize your risk. Common causes and risk factors include:

Sudden or Intense Physical Activity: A quick burst of movement, like jumping or sprinting, can overstretch the tendon and cause it to snap.
Degeneration from Overuse: Repeated stress and microtears over time can weaken the tendon fibers, making them more susceptible to rupture.
Lack of Conditioning: Inadequate warm-up, poor flexibility, or weak calf muscles can all contribute to a torn tendon.
Improper Footwear: Shoes that don’t support your foot and ankle properly can lead to uneven stress on the Achilles tendon.
Certain Medications: Some antibiotics and steroid injections may interfere with tendon health.
Age and Gender: Men over 30 are particularly at risk, as tendons naturally lose strength and flexibility with age.
Previous Achilles Tendon Injuries: Past injuries can leave the tendon more vulnerable to future tears.

At Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center, we take all these factors into account when assessing your medical history and creating a tailored prevention or treatment plan.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Rupture?

An Achilles tendon rupture typically produces clear and immediate symptoms. Recognizing these signs can lead to faster treatment and a better recovery outcome. Common symptoms include:

Sudden Pain: Often described as a sharp or snapping pain in the back of the ankle or lower leg. Some people compare it to being kicked or struck in the calf.
Popping Sound: A loud pop or snapping noise may be heard at the time of the injury.
Swelling and Bruising: Especially around the heel and lower leg.
Difficulty Walking: Patients often experience a limp and may be unable to bear weight on the affected leg.
Loss of Function: You may struggle to stand on tiptoe or push off the foot while walking.
Tenderness and Weakness: Painful to touch and reduced strength in the foot and ankle area.
Reduced Range of Motion: The ankle may feel stiff and difficult to move.

If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. A delay in treatment can lead to long-term complications and chronic Achilles tendon disorders.

How Are Achilles Tendon Tears Diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis is key to determining the extent of the injury and planning the most effective course of treatment. Diagnosis typically involves:

Medical History: Your healthcare provider will ask about how the injury occurred, any previous Achilles tendon injuries, and any ongoing symptoms.
Physical Examination: A physical exam helps evaluate tenderness, swelling, range of motion, and strength. One common test is the Thompson Test, where the calf is squeezed to see if the foot flexes. If it doesn’t, this suggests a complete rupture.
Imaging Tests:
- Ultrasound: Helps visualize the tear and determine whether it is partial or complete.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): Offers detailed images of the soft tissue and tendon fibers, confirming the diagnosis and helping plan treatment.

At Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center, we use state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic tools to provide precise assessments and treatment recommendations.

How is an Achilles Tendon Tear Treated?

Treatment for a torn Achilles tendon depends on several factors, including the severity of the injury, your age, activity level, and overall health.

Nonsurgical Treatment

Nonsurgical treatments are best suited for older patients, those with partial tears, or those with lower physical demands. Nonsurgical treatments include the following:

Walking Boot or Cast: Immobilizes the foot and ankle to allow natural healing.
Heel Lifts: Reduce stress on the tendon during healing.
Physical Therapy: A gradual, structured program to restore strength, flexibility, and function.

Surgical Repair

Surgical repair is often recommended for complete ruptures, active individuals, or athletes looking to return to high-level activity. The surgical treatment plan includes the following:

Tendon Suturing: The surgeon stitches the torn ends of the tendon together to restore normal function.
Postoperative Immobilization: Typically followed by a walking boot or cast to protect the repair.
Rehabilitation: Includes progressive physical therapy to rebuild strength and range of motion.

Both nonsurgical and surgical approaches can be effective. At Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center, we evaluate each case individually to recommend the best option for you. Patients who are treated surgically often begin a structured rehab program shortly after surgery to improve outcomes and reduce the risk of re-rupture.

How to Prevent Achilles Tendon Injuries

Prevention plays a major role in avoiding Achilles tendon tears. Follow these best practices:

Stretch Before and After Activity: Always warm up and cool down, especially focusing on your calf muscles and Achilles tendon.
Strengthen Supporting Muscles: Strong calf muscles and a stable lower leg reduce the risk of tendon strain.
Wear Proper Footwear: Choose shoes that support your foot and ankle and suit your activity level.
Cross-Train: Mix high-impact activities with low-impact ones like swimming or cycling to avoid repetitive stress.
Listen to Your Body: Don’t ignore pain or discomfort in your lower leg. Early symptoms may signal overuse or early-stage injury.

Our sports medicine team can provide personalized guidance to help you maintain healthy tendon function and prevent future injuries.

Taking Steps Towards Recovery

Recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon takes time, patience, and expert care. A typical recovery plan includes:

Initial Immobilization: Protects the healing tendon and reduces inflammation.
Gradual Weight Bearing: Transitioning from non-weight bearing to full weight bearing using a walking boot or brace.
Physical Therapy: Essential to regain strength, balance, and full range of motion.
Return to Activity: Slowly resuming sports or physical activity, often under professional supervision.

Recovery can take several months, depending on the treatment approach and individual factors. With proper care and a committed rehab program, most patients regain full function.

Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center is here every step of the way, from initial diagnosis to your return to full mobility. Our experienced specialists in foot and ankle care work closely with patients to ensure a full, lasting recovery.

Get Expert Help for Achilles Tendon Injuries

Don’t let a torn tendon keep you from the life you enjoy. If you suspect an Achilles tendon tear or are experiencing symptoms like pain, weakness, or difficulty walking, contact Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Center in Greater Columbus.

Our team specializes in diagnosing and treating Achilles tendon injuries with personalized care plans tailored to your lifestyle and goals. Call us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward recovery with confidence.

Medically reviewed by Terrence M. Philbin, DO

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