How do achilles tendons rupture

An injury to the tendon can also result from falling or tripping. Achilles tendon ruptures are most often seen in "weekend warriors"—typically, middle-aged people participating in sports in their spare time. Less commonly, illness or medications, such as steroids or certain antibiotics, may weaken the tendon and contribute to ruptures. A person with a ruptured Achilles tendon may experience one or more of the following:. These symptoms require prompt medical attention to prevent further damage.

Until the patient is able to see a doctor, the RICE method should be used. This involves:. In diagnosing an Achilles tendon rupture, the foot and ankle surgeon will ask questions about how and when the injury occurred and whether the patient has previously injured the tendon or experienced similar symptoms. The surgeon will examine the foot and ankle, feeling for a defect in the tendon that suggests a tear.

Range of motion and muscle strength will be evaluated and compared to the uninjured foot and ankle. If the Achilles tendon is ruptured, the patient will have less strength in pushing down as on a gas pedal and will have difficulty rising on the toes.

The diagnosis of an Achilles tendon rupture is typically straightforward and can be made through this type of examination. In some cases, however, the surgeon may order an MRI or other advanced imaging tests. Treatment options for an Achilles tendon rupture include surgical and nonsurgical approaches. Nonsurgical treatment, which is generally associated with a higher rate of rerupture, is selected for minor ruptures, less active patients and those with medical conditions that prevent them from undergoing surgery.

This refers to tiny tears microtears in the tissue in and around the tendon. These tears are caused by overuse. Achilles tendinopathy is also often called Achilles tendinitis. Achilles tendon tear or rupture. An Achilles tendon also can partially tear or completely tear rupture. A partial tear may cause mild or no symptoms. But a complete rupture causes pain and sudden loss of strength and movement.

What causes Achilles tendon problems? What are the symptoms? How are Achilles tendon problems diagnosed? How are they treated? Health Tools Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health.

Decision Points focus on key medical care decisions that are important to many health problems. Cause Achilles tendinopathy is most often caused by: Overuse or repeated movements during sports, work, or other activities. In sports, a change in how long, intensely, or often you exercise can cause microtears in the tendon. These tears are unable to heal quickly and will eventually cause pain.

A change in your environment, such as going from a flat surface to a hill or from a dirt road to a paved road, can also cause these tears. Injury from repeated push-offs or a stop-and-go motion.

These injuries are common in such activities as running, basketball, tennis, or ballet dancing. Achilles tendon rupture is most often caused by: Sudden, forceful motion that stresses the calf muscle. This can happen during an intense athletic activity or even during simple running or jumping, especially in middle-aged adults. A rupture most often occurs in sports such as basketball, racquet sports including tennis , soccer, and softball.

Overstretching the tendon during any activity when the tendon is already damaged because of Achilles tendinopathy or another condition. Symptoms Symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy may include: Pain in the back of the heel, in the Achilles tendon area.

Pain may be mild or severe. Swelling may occur. Tenderness in the Achilles tendon area. Tenderness may be more noticeable in the morning. Stiffness that goes away as the tendon warms up with use. Decreased strength and movement, or a feeling of sluggishness in the leg. Symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture may include: A sudden, sharp pain that feels like a direct hit to the Achilles tendon.

There may be a pop when the rupture occurs. This may be followed by swelling and bruising. Heel pain. It may be severe.

Not being able to go on tiptoe with the hurt leg. What Happens Achilles tendinopathy Achilles tendinopathy starts with repeated small tears in the tendon.

Achilles tendon tear or rupture An Achilles tendon can partially tear or completely tear rupture. Other Achilles tendon problems Other conditions can affect the Achilles tendon area. They include: Achilles paratenonitis. This is also called Achilles peritendinitis. Retrocalcaneal bursitis. Insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

What Increases Your Risk Things that increase your risk for Achilles tendinopathy or rupture include: Sports and physical activity. Overuse and repeated movements can cause injury and weaken the Achilles tendon. Playing sports increases the risk of an injury. Activities at work such as in construction and at home such as gardening may also increase your risk. Sports training errors.

Not warming up before running or other activities or suddenly changing your training program can increase your risk for injury. Increasing your distance, running uphill more often, or changing your ground surfaces too quickly can increase your risk.

Decreased flexibility may also increase the risk of tendon problems. Most cases of Achilles tendinopathy or rupture occur in people older than If you are very heavy, you have a greater risk.

Being male. Men are more likely than women to have an Achilles tendon injury. You may increase your risk if you wear shoes that are worn out, that do not support your feet, or that do not cushion your heel. Other risk factors for an Achilles tendon rupture include: A previous injury or rupture to the Achilles tendon. Corticosteroid injections in the Achilles tendon. They can weaken the tendon.

Long-term use of quinolone antibiotics. Quinolones include ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin. Having osteoarthritis, gout, or rheumatoid arthritis. When should you call your doctor? Call your doctor right away if you think you have an Achilles tendon problem at or above the back of your ankle and: The back of your heel and ankle are very painful.

You felt a sharp pain like a direct hit to the Achilles tendon. You heard a pop in your Achilles tendon when you were injured. You aren't able to walk comfortably.

Your Achilles tendon area has begun to swell. You have signs of damage to the nerves or blood vessels. Signs include numbness, tingling, a pins-and-needles feeling in your foot, and pale or bluish skin. Watchful waiting Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your doctor observe your symptoms or condition without using medical treatment. Who to see Health professionals who can diagnosis and treat an Achilles tendon problem include: Emergency medical specialists , for sudden and severe acute Achilles problems.

Family medicine physicians or internists who are familiar with foot and ankle injuries. Podiatrists who are familiar with sports injuries. Sports medicine specialists. Orthopedic surgeons , particularly for an Achilles rupture. Exams and Tests Most doctors diagnose an Achilles tendon problem through a medical history and physical exam.

Other tests may be done to clarify a diagnosis or to prepare for surgery. These tests include: Ultrasound. It may be used to check whether there is a rupture of the tendon or signs of tendinopathy. X-rays , to check the heel bone. MRI scan to check the tendon for signs of tendinopathy or a tendon rupture. An MRI is also used to evaluate the heel bone. Treatment Overview Early treatment usually results in better healing.

Achilles tendinopathy To treat Achilles tendinopathy: Use home treatment. This includes resting your lower leg and foot, stretching the area, wearing cushioned shoes or other orthotics , and switching sports or modifying how you do sports that may have caused the problem. Reduce pain by using ice or taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs , as directed.

Follow any physical therapy that your doctor has prescribed. This may include stretching and strengthening exercises, deep massage, heat, or ultrasound. Achilles tendon rupture Treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture includes: Surgery followed by rehabilitation rehab.

This is the most common treatment for younger adults. Immobilizing your leg, followed by rehab. This prevents movement of the lower leg and ankle. It allows the ends of the Achilles tendon to reattach and heal.

What to think about Don't smoke or use other tobacco products. If you have an Achilles tendon rupture, your decision about whether to have surgery will depend in part on your: Age and activity level. Overview Achilles tendon rupture Open pop-up dialog box Close. Achilles tendon rupture The Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord that connects the muscles in the back of your calf to your heel bone.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Calf stretch exercise Open pop-up dialog box Close. Calf stretch exercise Your Achilles tendon connects the muscles in the back of your leg to your heel bone. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Maughan KL. Achilles tendinopathy and tendon rupture. Accessed June 26, Achilles tendon rupture. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Li Q, et al. Minimally invasive versus open surgery for acute Achilles tendon rupture: A systematic review of overlapping meta-analyses.

Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. Zhang H, et al. Functional rehabilitation. American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.