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Achilles Tendon Rupture


About this topic


A tendon is a strong band of tissue that connects muscles to bones. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It helps your foot push forward when you walk and lets you rise up on your toes. It is the largest tendon in the body. If this tendon gets stretched too much, it can tear. It can tear just a little or all the way. If the tendon tears all the way, this is an Achilles tendon rupture. ‚  

What are the causes?


  • Overstretching the tendon, like when you push off with your foot when the knee is straight
  • Fall
  • Stepping into a hole
  • Accident where the tendon is cut

What can make this more likely to happen?


You may be more at risk for this if you: ‚  
  • Have had an Achilles tendon rupture before
  • Have had Achilles tendinitis
  • Take certain drugs for infection. Two of these are levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin.
  • Have had steroid injections into your heel
  • Have certain health problems like diabetes and arthritis
  • Are a middle-aged man who plays sports
  • Play sports like basketball, tennis, and racquetball that have lots of sudden bursts of running
  • Have tight calf muscles
  • Are overweight
  • Smoke

What are the main signs?


  • Sharp pain in the back of the calf or heel
  • A sudden pop or snap
  • Swelling or bruising at the heel
  • Trouble walking
  • Not able to stand up on the toes of the injured foot
  • You feel a gap about 2 inches above your heel

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will feel around your lower leg and heel. Your doctor may have you lie on your stomach with your foot over the edge of the table. Your doctor may squeeze on your calf to see how your foot moves. Your doctor may also have you try to stand up on your toes. The doctor may order: ‚  
  • MRI scan
  • Ultrasound

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


Based on your age and how bad the injury is, your doctor with decide how to treat your problem. This may include: ‚  
  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Keeping your leg raised
  • Cast or walking boot for 6 to 8 weeks to let the tendon heal
  • Crutches to take pressure off your injured leg
  • Heel lift in your shoe after the cast or boot is no longer needed
  • Exercises
  • Physical therapy (PT)
  • You may need surgery to sew the tendon back together.

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Help with pain and swelling
  • Fight an infection

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


  • Warm up slowly and stretch your muscles before you work out. Use good ways to train, such as slowly adding to how far you run. Do not work out if you are overly tired. Take extra care if working out in cold weather.
  • Stay active and work out to keep your muscles strong and flexible.
  • Keep a healthy weight so there is not extra stress on your joints. Eat a healthy diet to keep your muscles healthy.
  • Avoid walking or running on uneven surfaces.
  • Wear the right equipment when playing sports.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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