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Injury advice > Lowerleg/Ankle Injuries > Total Achilles Tendon Rupture

Total Achilles Tendon Rupture

Rupture of the achilles tendon

What is the achilles tendon?

The tendon that runs from your calf muscle at the back of your lower leg and inserts in at the back of the heel is known as the Achilles tendon.

Total achilles tendon rupture sometimes occurs following a history of inflammation or degeneration of the tendon but nearly always results from a sudden event. This can be pushing off hard on the toes or suddenly bending the foot upwards. It is a more common injury in older men who are recreational athletes.

Total achilles tendon rupture symptoms:

  • A sudden sharp pain similar to being whacked in the back of the leg.
  • There may also be load crack or bang accompanying this.
  • Standing tip toes will be impossible and you will be unable to walk properly.
  • A gap may be felt in the tendon.
  • There will be a lot of swelling.
  • Thompson's test (see below) will produce a positive result.

What can be done to heal a total achilles tendon rupture:

What can the athlete do?

  • The sooner you get a sports injury professional to check the injury the better The faster you get this injury operated on the more chance you have of making a full recovery. Any longer than two days and you are in trouble.
  • Apply cold therapy

Visiting a sports injury professional:

  • Diagnose and treat the injury quickly
  • Operate on the tendon.
  • Sometimes surgery is not required but the leg is put in a plaster cast and allowed to heal instead.

What length of time will you be off training?

You can expect to be out of competition for 6 to 9 months after surgery. This is increased to 12 months if you just have the Achilles immobilized in plaster instead of operated on. There is also a greater risk of re-injury if you do not have the surgery.

Useful Products:

  • Cold Therapy - Apply ice or cold therapy to help ease pain and swelling

Please see the Virtual Sports Injury Clinic for more information on the treatment of Total Achilles Tendon Rupture and other achilles injuries