What happens if you rupture your achilles tendon

This may be as soon as 2 to 3 weeks or as long 6 weeks after your injury. With the help of physical therapy, most people can return to normal activity in 4 to 6 months. In physical therapy, you will learn exercises to make your calf muscles stronger and your Achilles tendon more flexible. When you stretch your calf muscles, do so slowly.

Also, do not bounce or use too much force when you use your leg. After you heal, you are at greater risk for injuring your Achilles tendon again. You will need to:. Also call your provider if you have questions or concerns that cannot wait until your next visit.

Ankle and foot. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; chap Extensor and flexor tendon injuries in the hand, wrist, and foot. Updated by: C. Editorial team. Also called the heel cord, the Achilles tendon facilitates walking by helping to raise the heel off the ground. An Achilles tendon rupture is a complete or partial tear that occurs when the tendon is stretched beyond its capacity.

Forceful jumping or pivoting, or sudden accelerations of running, can overstretch the tendon and cause a tear. 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.

Exercises often help too. If needed, surgery can be done to repair the tendon. You can help prevent these injuries by doing things like increasing activity slowly, wearing the correct shoes for your activities, and not exercising on uneven surfaces. Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen. Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.

Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis and any new medicines, treatments, or tests.

Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you.

Also know what the side effects are. Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways. Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean. Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.

If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for? Want More Information?

Cedars-Sinai has a range of comprehensive treatment options. See Our Orthopaedic Programs. Choose a doctor and schedule an appointment. Find a Doctor. Need Help? Available 24 Hours A Day. The Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord that connects the muscles in the back of your calf to your heel bone. If you overstretch your Achilles tendon, it can tear rupture.

Achilles uh-KILL-eez tendon rupture is an injury that affects the back of your lower leg. It mainly occurs in people playing recreational sports, but it can happen to anyone.

If you overstretch your Achilles tendon, it can tear rupture completely or just partially. If your Achilles tendon ruptures, you might hear a pop, followed by an immediate sharp pain in the back of your ankle and lower leg that is likely to affect your ability to walk properly. Surgery is often performed to repair the rupture. For many people, however, nonsurgical treatment works just as well.

Although it's possible to have no signs or symptoms with an Achilles tendon rupture, most people have:. Seek medical advice immediately if you hear a pop in your heel, especially if you can't walk properly afterward. Your Achilles tendon helps you point your foot downward, rise on your toes and push off your foot as you walk. You rely on it virtually every time you walk and move your foot. This section might be prone to rupture because blood flow is poor, which also can impair its ability to heal.