Something is off in your foot. Maybe you have swelling or pain around your heel, or you’re finding that you can’t put your full weight on your foot. Discomfort or sensitivity in your feet is always worth talking about with a doctor, but in the meantime, you may still be wondering what’s causing your symptoms.
If you felt a popping sensation just before your symptoms started, or they started suddenly during physical activity, you may have a rupture in your Achilles tendon, also known as a torn Achilles. Your Achilles tendon is the large tendon that runs from your heel bone up to your calf muscles, and an injury to it can be painful and interfere with all the things you need your foot to do. Learn what a torn Achilles looks and feels like, what causes it and the importance of talking with a doctor about your treatment options.
Symptoms of a torn Achilles tendon can include pain, swelling and function issues
A rupture in the Achilles tendon affects the functions of the foot. So aside from symptoms that appear immediately after the injury occurs, some of the clearest symptoms of a torn Achilles include an inability to point your foot, push off of it or stand on your toes. Additionally, you may not be able to put your full weight on the foot, resulting in a limp when you walk. Achilles tears can be complete or partial, and partial tears tend to have milder versions of these symptoms.
What does a torn Achilles feel like?
One of the telltale symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture is a popping or snapping sensation when the injury occurs. It may also feel like getting hit or kicked in the calf. These feelings are usually accompanied by sudden pain around the heel.
What does a torn Achilles look like?
Following an Achilles tear, the area around the tendon swells. Eventually, bruising forms in the same area.
A tear in the Achilles tendon is usually caused by sudden, forceful movement
It takes a lot of stress for an Achilles tendon to rupture. Because of this, Achilles tears usually occur during forceful athletic movements, such as sudden stops, starts or pivots – like when running, jumping and landing. It’s also possible to tear your Achilles by tripping or falling, and from things like unexpectedly stepping into a deep hole.
Risk factors for Achilles tears include specific activities, lifestyles and health factors
Achilles tendon ruptures can happen to anyone, but they’re most common in men over the age of 30 who are infrequent athletes (sometimes referred to as “weekend warriors”). The activities with the greatest risk for this injury are those that involve a lot of sudden changes in direction, such as soccer, tennis and basketball. Other risk factors for Achilles tears include things that contribute to stress or weakness in the tendon, such as:
- Being overweight
- Using corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics
- Previous injuries to the Achilles tendon or surrounding muscles
- Inflammatory conditions like arthritis and gout
To diagnose a ruptured Achilles tendon, a doctor will first ask you about the situation in which the injury happened, as well as whether you’ve experienced similar injuries or symptoms in the past. They’ll also perform a physical exam to feel for a disconnect in the tendon.
Next, they’ll compare the pain, strength and range of motion in your injured foot to those of your uninjured foot. This is usually enough to make a diagnosis, but in some cases, a doctor may order an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test to get a better idea of what’s going on structurally in your foot.
Treatments for Achilles tendon tears can be surgical or nonsurgical
It’s technically possible for an Achilles tear to heal on its own, but treatment is necessary to avoid further damage and make sure it heals well. Ruptured Achilles tendons can be treated both surgically and nonsurgically with similar success rates, but the best treatment option for you will depend on a few factors.
Treating a torn Achilles with surgery
Surgically repairing a torn Achilles tendon leads to a shorter recovery time than nonsurgical treatment, along with a lower risk of reinjury. In some cases, it can even help improve strength and function. However, this method carries the general risks of surgery, such as infection, healing issues and scarring. As such, surgery is generally recommended for younger or more athletic people.
Treating a torn Achilles without surgery
Treating an Achilles rupture nonsurgically involves immobilizing the injured foot with a cast, brace or boot in order to let it heal effectively. Your doctor will use imaging tests to track your progress. This method has a longer recovery time and a higher reinjury rate than surgery, but it avoids the risks associated with surgery. It’s generally recommended for minor tears and for people who are older, less athletic or more likely to experience complications from surgery.
Rehabilitating a torn Achilles tendon
No matter which treatment method you choose, rehabilitation is key to effective recovery. A physical therapist can help you stretch and strengthen your Achilles tendon and surrounding muscles to restore your foot’s strength, stability and function. Following rehabilitation, it’s important to continue similar exercises on your own.
Experiencing symptoms of an Achilles tear? Talk with a foot and ankle specialist.
You shouldn’t ignore pain or weakness in your foot. Getting a diagnosis allows you to understand what the issue is and sets you on the path to moving comfortably again. Plus, the earlier you get treatment, the more effective it will be. Find an orthopedic urgent care near you or make an appointment with a foot and ankle specialist today, and follow the RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression and elevation) to manage discomfort until you go in.