Pop! Goes the Tendon: Achilles Tendon Ruptures

The Achilles tendon, located at the back of the ankle, connects the calf muscles to heel bone (calcaneus). This tendon, the largest in the body, is what allows you to stand on your toes to reach that can off the top shelf of your cabinet. When you completely tear through the tendon this is called an Achilles tendon rupture.

Some of the things that might predispose a person to an Achilles tendon rupture are varied. Several scenarios can be painted. One might be a teenage athlete who has started an antibiotic for his bronchitis (some antibiotics combined with athletic activity can put individuals at risk for tendon rupture). Another example might be a middle-aged businessman who engages in a pickup game of basketball on the weekends (the “weekend warrior”). A third might be a non-athletic individual who just happens to fall from a significant height. As you can see, Achilles tendon ruptures can affect individuals from all walks of life.

Some symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture include a severe pain at the back of the ankle, some may report hearing a loud pop, swelling and weakness, an inability to stand on tiptoe, or a gap seen in the tendon about 2 inches above the heel bone. With any of these types of symptoms, especially with correlation to physical activity, it is important to seek medical intervention promptly. The earlier the treatment, the better the outcome.

Treatment for Achilles tendon rupture revolves around the main goal of restoring normal tension and length to the tendon so that you might be able to function to the same level of activity pre-injury. Unlike treatment modalities for other types of injuries, early movement (as well as protection) is important when treating Achilles tendon ruptures. Early treatment usually includes casting for 6 weeks with regular intervals of cast removal/replacement so that the tendon may be stretched (early movement). If surgery is necessary, this will be discussed with your podiatric physician depending on your level of injury and healing time. Once treatment has taken place, prevention for the future is key! Stretching exercises are one such way to do this. While an Achilles tendon rupture can definitely change one’s life, it doesn’t have to be life altering! If you happen to sustain this injury, please call our office in Mentor, OH for an appointment, and we will be happy to assist!