Achilles tendon rupture
What is the Achilles tendon?
The Achilles tendon is the thick band at the back of your ankle, just above your heel. You can often feel it with your fingers when you move your foot up and down.
It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Think of it like a strong climbing rope. When your calf muscles tighten, the Achilles tendon pulls on the heel and helps your foot move.
You rely on your Achilles tendon more than most people realise. It helps you:
- Walk, run and sprint
- Climb stairs
- Stand on tiptoes
- Push off when changing direction
- Jump for a basketball rebound
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and takes a huge amount of force every day. During running and jumping, the load through the tendon can be several times your body weight.
What is an Achilles tendon rupture?
When you tear your Achilles tendon, you may feel a sudden pop or snap at the back of your ankle or calf. Many people say it feels like someone has kicked them from behind, even though nobody has touched them.
The Achilles tendon can tear partly or completely. A partial rupture means some of the tendon fibres are still connected. A complete rupture means the tendon has snapped all the way through, like a rope breaking under tension.
When this happens, it can become difficult to walk normally, push off the ground, stand on tiptoes or return to sport without treatment.
We often see this injury in people getting back into sport after time away. It might be someone playing their first few games of tennis, netball or soccer after a break, or a runner who has suddenly added more sprints, hills or longer distances.
In some cases, the Achilles has been giving warning signs for weeks, such as soreness, tightness or stiffness, before it finally tears.
Achilles tendon rupture diagnosis Perth
How is Achilles tendon rupture diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually starts with a clinical examination. We look at your walking, swelling, pain, and whether the tendon is still working properly.
A simple test involves squeezing the calf muscle to see whether the foot moves normally. Ultrasound or MRI scans may be used when we need more detail about the tear.
How is an Achilles rupture treated?
There are two main treatment options for an Achilles tendon rupture: non-surgical treatment and Achilles tendon surgery.
The right option depends on the tear, how long ago it happened, your activity level, your health and what you need to get back to.
With non-surgical treatment, the ankle is placed into a boot with the foot pointed down. This helps bring the torn tendon ends closer together while the tendon heals. Heel wedges, physiotherapy and a gradual return to walking are usually part of recovery.
Surgery may be recommended from the start for some patients, especially active patients, larger tears, delayed injuries or re-ruptures. This is usually called Achilles tendon repair surgery. The torn ends of the tendon are brought back together and secured with strong stitches.
If the rupture is older, more complex, or the tendon tissue is not strong enough for a simple repair, Achilles tendon reconstruction may be needed instead. This can involve using other tendon tissue or more advanced repair techniques to rebuild strength and function.
What happens after Achilles tendon rupture treatment?
Recovery from an Achilles tendon rupture takes time. The tendon is a bit like a repaired rope. It needs time to heal and gradually become strong again before it can safely handle running, jumping, and sport.
Most patients spend a period in a boot or cast while the tendon heals. Physiotherapy and calf strengthening are also a big part of recovery. Walking, driving, exercise, and sport are gradually reintroduced over time.
Running and other high-impact activities are usually avoided early on because the repaired tendon is still vulnerable during the first stages of healing.
Foot and ankle surgeon Perth
Why The Foot & Ankle Centre?
At The Foot & Ankle Centre, our team assesses the rupture, explains your treatment options, and helps guide you through recovery.
Whether treatment involves a boot or Achilles tendon surgery, the focus is on protecting the tendon, rebuilding strength, and helping you return to daily life safely.
You are welcome to make an appointment at The Foot & Ankle Centre. We operate at Hollywood Hospital and St John of God Murdoch Hospital.
