Achilles tendon rupture

The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in your body. It’s also prone to injuries like Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendon rupture.

Prompt treatment for a ruptured Achilles tendon ensures faster healing. You can count on Aurora Health Care sports medicine and orthopedic doctors to use the most effective methods to restore your ability to enjoy athletic activities.

Achilles tendon rupture risk factors

Rupture of the Achilles tendon happens most often to people in their 30s to 50s who participate in high-impact sports or exercise occasionally – sometimes referred to as weekend warriors. When a person has less regular conditioning, their Achilles tendon is more vulnerable to injuries of all kinds.

Some other risk factors for an Achilles tendon tear include:

• Use of certain antibiotics (fluoroquinolone)
• Steroid injections
• Poor conditioning before exercise
• Overexertion
• Diabetes

Can you walk with a ruptured Achilles tendon?

It’s possible to walk with a ruptured Achilles injury. However, you’re likely to have swelling and sharp pain at the point of the injury. It may be hard to push off with your foot or bear much weight on the affected leg.

If you think you have an Achilles injury, see your doctor as soon as possible for advice on what to do and treatment. Delaying treatment can lead to the tendon healing improperly and subsequent loss of strength and function in the ankle and foot.

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

Achilles tendon rupture recovery time varies depending on the injury and treatment. People who have nonsurgical Achilles injury treatment take a little longer to return to work than people who have surgical Achilles tendon rupture treatment.

It may take several months to a year for your Achilles tendon rupture recovery time to be complete.

For the most accurate estimate of your recovery time based on your individual injury and health, talk to your doctor and physical therapist

Signs & symptoms of Achilles tendon rupture

Many people who sustain an Achilles tendon tear injury will hear a popping sound or feel a popping sensation at the point of the injury. Some people report sudden pain that feels like they’ve been hit in the back of the leg. They also find it hard to bend the front of their injured foot down. Other symptoms may 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

When you see your doctor for diagnosis of potential Achilles tendon symptoms, they’ll ask about how and when your symptoms began. They’ll also ask about your medical history, particularly any previous injuries or symptoms in the area.

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

An Achilles tendon rupture is usually diagnosed based on the symptoms and exam results. Your doctor may order imaging tests to rule out other conditions.

Achilles tendon rupture treatment

Your doctor will work with you to decide on a course of treatment. People who lead less active lives or have some underlying conditions may benefit from nonsurgical treatments so they can avoid the risks of surgery.

More active people usually have surgical Achilles tendon rupture treatments. Surgical treatments result in better retention of strength in the injured foot and more likelihood of returning to previous levels of athletic activity.

Nonsurgical treatment for a ruptured Achilles tendon

Nonsurgical treatment for a ruptured Achilles tendon starts with applying a cast to the foot and lower leg that holds the toes pointing downward. In this position, the torn ends of the tendon will be closer to each other and can grow back together.

After about 10 weeks of wearing a cast, you’ll begin several months of physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in your foot and ankle. During this time, you’ll also be advised about the use of heel lifts or orthotic devices to keep supporting your Achilles tendon while it heals.

Nonsurgical treatments avoid the surgical risks of skin breakdown and infection of the wound. However, there is a risk that the ends of the tendon won’t grow back together or that they’ll heal in a way that makes the tendon longer and weaker.

There’s evidence that people who have nonsurgical Achilles tendon rupture treatment are more likely to have another Achilles tendon tear than those who have surgical treatment.

Surgical treatment for a ruptured Achilles tendon

Achilles tendon rupture surgery is performed in different ways depending on the nature of the injury. The two ends of the tendon are brought together, and sutures are used to sew them together. We use minimally invasive methods whenever possible.

Achilles tendon rupture surgery carries the risks of any surgery, such as infection in the wound or adverse reactions to anesthesia. Achilles tendon repair also has the risk of skin breakdown due to poor blood supply.

Surgery is followed by time wearing a splint or using orthotic devices. You’ll also need several months of physical therapy.

What can I do to prevent an Achilles tendon rupture?

To reduce the risk of an Achilles tendon rupture injury:

• Warm up and cool down: Prioritize warming up before exercise or sports and cooling down afterward.
• Engage in regular activity: Regular participation in activities helps condition your tendons.
• Practice cross-training: Engaging in different sports or exercises uses different muscle groups and reduces repetitive movements.
• Consider low-impact activities: Exercises like swimming, biking, and elliptical exercise put less stress on the Achilles tendon.