Injury prevention and recovery

Achilles tendon rupture

What is it?

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscle to the bone in the heel of your foot. An Achilles tendon rupture is when the Achilles tendon is completely torn. It's the most frequently ruptured tendon in the body.

You may also:

• have swelling, pain and reduced movement in your foot
• be unable to put your full weight on your foot
• hear a snapping or tearing sound when the tendon ruptures

Causes

It may be caused by:

• a change or increase in training
• a tightened calf muscle while exercising
• wearing unsupportive shoes

Treatments

If you think you've damaged your Achilles tendon, you should seek medical attention from your GP or a sports medicine doctor.

A cast or brace may be used to keep the Achilles tendon straight so it can heal. You will need to wear this for at least six to eight weeks.A heel raise may also be needed. A heel raise in your shoe shortens the Achilles tendon helping it to heal.

Occasionally, surgery is needed to stitch the tendon together. After surgery a cast or adjustable brace will be placed on the leg so the Achilles heals correctly.

Once your leg is out of the cast you will need treatment from a physiotherapist to rehabilitate your injury, this may include:

• massage to reduce scarring, including ultrasound therapy
• stretching exercises for your Achilles tendon and calf muscle
• strengthening exercises

Do

• Seek medical advice.
• Follow the advice you are given.
• Follow PRICE
• Remember to warm up and cool down to prevent injury after the Achilles tendon has healed.

Don't

• Ignore the pain or delay treatment as surgery may not be an option if you leave it too long.
• Try to continue training if you are having treatment.
• Try to do too much straight after your cast or brace is removed – you will risk injuring it again.

Peer reviewed by Alex Floyd, MCSP, Bupa Sports Medicine physiotherapist

Publication date: June 2009