Achilles Tendon Rupture – Symptoms and Causes

ByJanis Updated

Overview

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It’s a strong, fibrous cord located at the back of your lower leg. When this tendon gets overstretched, it can tear partially or completely.

This is called an Achilles tendon rupture. This injury commonly affects recreational athletes but can happen to anyone.

If your Achilles tendon ruptures, you might hear a popping sound followed by sharp pain in the back of your ankle and lower leg. This pain typically makes normal walking difficult.

Common symptoms include:

  • Sudden pop in the back of the leg
  • Sharp pain in the ankle area
  • Difficulty walking normally
  • Swelling in the affected area

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the rupture. While surgery is a common approach to repair the torn tendon, many patients achieve good results with non-surgical treatments as well.

Signs and Symptoms

People with an Achilles tendon rupture may experience several noticeable symptoms. Most feel a sensation like being kicked in the back of the calf. Pain around the heel area can be intense, and swelling often develops quickly.

Walking becomes difficult after this injury. You might find it impossible to push off with your injured foot when taking steps. Standing on your toes using the affected leg may also be impossible.

Many people report hearing a distinct popping or snapping sound at the moment the tendon tears.

When to Get Medical Help

Contact a healthcare provider right away if you hear a pop in your heel area. This is especially important if you have trouble walking normally afterward. Quick medical attention can lead to better healing outcomes.

Causes

Achilles tendon ruptures typically happen when too much sudden stress is placed on this important tendon. Most ruptures occur within 2.5 inches (6 centimeters) of where the tendon connects to your heel bone.

This area is particularly vulnerable because it receives less blood flow than other parts of the tendon. Poor blood supply not only makes this section more likely to tear but also slows down healing after an injury.

Several common situations can lead to an Achilles tendon rupture:

  • Intensifying sports activity, especially in jumping sports
  • Falling from heights
  • Accidentally stepping in a hole

When any of these actions place unexpected stress on your Achilles tendon, the tissue may tear partially or completely, resulting in a rupture that requires medical attention.

Risk Factors

Several factors may raise your chance of getting an Achilles tendon rupture:

Age and Gender

  • People between 30-40 years old face the highest risk
  • Men are five times more likely than women to experience this injury

Physical Activities

  • Sports with running, jumping, and quick direction changes increase risk
  • Basketball, soccer, and tennis are common activities linked to these injuries

Medical Factors

  • Steroid injections near the ankle can weaken nearby tendons
  • Certain antibiotics (fluoroquinolones like ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin) are associated with higher rupture risk
  • Excess body weight puts additional strain on the tendon

Prevention

Taking steps to prevent Achilles tendon problems can save you from pain and disruption to your activities. These practical approaches can help protect this important tendon:

Strengthen and Stretch Properly

  • Stretch your calf muscles gently until you feel a pull (never bounce)
  • Include regular calf-strengthening exercises to improve force absorption
  • Hold stretches for 30 seconds without bouncing

Mix Up Your Activities

  • Alternate between high-impact (running) and low-impact activities (swimming, cycling)
  • Avoid activities that stress your Achilles, like hill running and jumping

Choose Smart Training Environments

  • Run on softer surfaces when possible
  • Wear appropriate clothing for cold weather
  • Use well-fitted athletic shoes with good heel cushioning

Follow the 10% Rule

  • Increase your training intensity gradually
  • Limit weekly increases in distance, duration or frequency to 10% or less

Being mindful of these prevention strategies helps protect your Achilles tendon from injury. Consistent attention to these practices can keep you active and pain-free.

Treatment Approaches for Patients

Patients with conditions like Achilles tendon injuries benefit from various treatment options:

  • Minimally invasive surgery
  • Open surgical procedures
  • Conservative non-surgical approaches
  • Functional rehabilitation

Research shows that both surgical and non-surgical treatments can be effective for certain conditions. For example, studies have compared outcomes for acute Achilles tendon rupture treated with different methods.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Early weight-bearing has been shown to influence clinical outcomes in some cases. Physical rehabilitation programs help patients:

  • Regain function gradually
  • Build strength safely
  • Return to daily activities
  • Resume sports and exercise when appropriate

Patients frequently note that personalized treatment plans make a significant difference in their recovery.

The right balance of rest, activity, and professional guidance helps them achieve their health goals, whether that’s climbing mountains or simply returning to everyday activities pain-free.


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Health Writer

Janis's areas of expertise include nutrition, exercise, stress management, and mental health. She is passionate about educating and empowering people to take control of their health and make positive changes that can last a lifetime. Janis believes that small, sustainable changes are the key to long-term success, and she works with her clients to develop personalized plans that fit their individual needs and lifestyles.