What is an Achilles Tendon Injury?
The Achilles tendon is a thick band of tissue that connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. The largest and strongest tendon in your body, it provides the power needed to walk, run and jump.
It is also the foot and ankle’s most commonly torn tendon. An Achilles tendon injury occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed, partially torn (tendinitis) or completely torn (ruptured). While many injuries happen during sports or high-impact activities, an Achilles tear can also occur from a sudden rip, fall or twist of the ankle.
Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury
Although some people experience few or no symptoms with a rupture, common signs include:
A pop or snap at the back of the ankle
- Sharp, sudden pain, bruising, or swelling near the heel
- Pain when walking, especially on stairs or uphill
- Morning stiffness or tenderness in the tendon
- Difficulty standing on your toes
- Weakness in the affected leg
What Causes an Achilles Tendon Injury
Achilles tendon ruptures often result from a sudden increase in stress on the tendon. Contributing factors may include:
- Rapid changes in activity level or intense exercise, especially in sports like basketball or soccer
- Movements involving jumping, pivoting, or sudden stops and starts
- Overuse from repetitive strain
- Falls from a height
- Stepping unexpectedly into a hole
Achilles Tendon Injury Risk Factors
You may be at higher risk of an Achilles tendon rupture if you:
- Are a man between ages 30 and 40
- Participate in recreational sports such as soccer, basketball or pickleball
- Take certain medications, including specific antibiotics or steroid injections
- Have obesity, which places added strain on the tendon
Surgical Treatment for an Achilles Tendon Tear
For more severe tears, surgery may be recommended to repair the tendon. The procedure typically involves making an incision in the back of the lower leg and stitching the torn tendon together. In some cases, other tendons may be used to reinforce the repair.
Without proper treatment, a ruptured Achilles tendon may not heal correctly and can increase the risk of future injury.
Achilles Tendon Rehabilitation and Recovery
Whether treated surgically or non-surgically, recovery requires physical therapy to rebuild strength, flexibility, and stability in the calf and Achilles tendon. Healing can take several months, with a gradual return to activity as your tendon recovers. Some symptoms, such as stiffness or weakness, may take up to a year to fully resolve.
Meet Our Foot and Ankle Team
Part of the Summa Health Orthopedics Institute, our foot and ankle team is led by board-certified, fellowship-trained surgeons with advanced expertise in treating complex foot and ankle injuries, disorders and deformities.