A sudden “pop” or “click” when you take a step can signal a serious injury: an Achilles tendon rupture.
It’s an injury that affects over 40 in 100,000 individuals. Achilles tendon ruptures can cause sudden pain, swelling, and difficulty walking, disrupting everyday life, especially when not treated promptly.
At a past community talk, Dr. Travis J. Seaman shared expert insights on how these injuries occur, how they are diagnosed, and the latest treatment options available.
Read on to learn more about acute and chronic Achilles tendon ruptures with insight from Dr. Seaman.
Why Achilles Tendon Ruptures Happen
An acute Achilles tendon rupture usually occurs when the tendon is loaded suddenly. The injury can happen during a jump, a sudden change of direction, or even a casual movement that catches you off guard.
What Makes the Achilles Tendon Vulnerable to Injury?
Although the Achilles tendon is strong, it has a limited blood supply, which makes it more vulnerable to injury. When the tendon fibers weaken or fail under stress, they can tear before you have time to react.
Chronic Achilles tendon rupture presents a different challenge. These injuries often start as long-term tendon irritation or tendinopathy. Over many weeks or months, the tendon becomes stiff or painful.
Who’s at Risk of Injuring the Achilles Tendon?
Risk increases for people who engage in weekend sports, those with a history of Achilles tendinopathy, and people who recently increased their training intensity.
According to Dr. Seaman, the reason older individuals are susceptible is that tendon health changes with age and load. This explains why those in their 30s and 40s feel symptoms before a rupture, while others (particularly younger patients) do not.
What a Rupture Feels Like
Most patients know something is wrong right away. Many describe the sensation of being kicked in the ankle.
Pain develops quickly. Swelling and bruising follow. Suddenly, pushing off the ground becomes difficult because the connection between the calf and heel no longer functions as intended.
How Doctors Evaluate Achilles Tendon Ruptures
During his presentation, Dr. Seaman explained the steps doctors use to identify an Achilles tendon rupture and measure its severity.
- Calf Squeeze Test: When the calf is squeezed, a healthy tendon pulls the foot downward. A lack of movement suggests a rupture.
- Assessment of Plantarflexion Strength: Reduced ability to point the toes downward is a common sign of tendon disruption.
- Inspection for Swelling or a Tendon Gap: Doctors check for changes in the contour of the tendon and the presence of soft spots.
- Review of Walking Pattern: Difficulty pushing off the affected foot can indicate loss of tendon function.
- Ultrasound or MRI: Imaging helps confirm the diagnosis, measure separation between the tendon ends, and distinguish between acute and chronic Achilles tendon rupture.
Treatment Options for Achilles Tendon Ruptures
Treatment varies depending on the type of rupture, your activity level, and your personal goals.
Dr. Seaman walked event attendees through three major considerations: how to protect the tendon early, how to restore strength and motion, and how to reduce the chance of future injury.
Nonsurgical Care (Physical Therapy)
Some patients recover with functional bracing and structured rehabilitation. This approach aims to protect the tendon as it reconnects and gradually regains strength.
Physical therapy plays a major role in guiding safe motion and improving stability. For many individuals, this path may help heal the tendon without requiring surgery.
Surgical Repair
Surgery reconnects the torn ends of the tendon and provides reliable strength for active patients who need strong push-off power. Dr. Seaman performs both open and minimally invasive surgical techniques. He chooses procedures based on the pattern of the rupture and the condition of the surrounding tissue.
Surgical repair is often considered when the tendon ends are widely separated or when a chronic Achilles tendon rupture has left the tissue weakened.
Rehabilitation After Treatment
Rehabilitation is essential for both surgical and nonsurgical treatment. Early steps include gentle motion and protected weight bearing. As healing progresses, patients begin calf strengthening and balance exercises.
When To See a Foot and Ankle Specialist
See our foot and ankle specialists if you notice any of the following:
- A pop in the back of your ankle
- A snapping sound after you’ve walked, sprinted, or jumped
- A sudden loss of push-off strength
- Sharp pain around your ankle and heel
These are signs that you may have ruptured your Achilles tendon.
An OrthoUnited foot and ankle specialist can determine whether the tendon is partially or fully torn and guide you toward the best plan for recovery.
Lost That Pep in Your Step? See Our Foot and Ankle Specialists Today!
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Seaman or any of our foot and ankle specialists if you suspect an Achilles tendon rupture or want help managing ankle pain. We’re here for you.
If you have more questions about your orthopaedic health and want to hear from a specialist, join any of our Meet the Docs events.
These free events give people in Northeastern Ohio the chance to hear directly from physicians, ask questions, and learn how to spot early signs of injury.
Future sessions will cover a wide range of orthopaedic topics and give patients practical advice that supports long-term wellness.
