Achilles Tendon Rupture: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

An Achilles tendon rupture occurs when the Achilles tendon, the strong band of tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone, is partially or completely torn. This injury most commonly occurs during sports activities, particularly those involving jumping, but it can also affect anyone.

The Achilles tendon plays an important role in foot movement, including pointing the foot downward, standing or walking on the toes, and pushing off the foot while walking. Because the tendon is involved in almost every movement of the foot, an injury can significantly interfere with daily activities.

When the Achilles tendon ruptures, a person may feel or hear a “pop,” followed by sudden, sharp pain at the back of the ankle extending into the lower leg. The injury may also make it difficult to walk. Treatment may involve surgery or nonsurgical approaches, depending on the condition and severity of the injury.

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Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Rupture

One of the characteristic signs of an Achilles tendon rupture is a sudden sensation or sound resembling a “pop” or “snap” at the back of the ankle. Some people may even feel as though they have been hit or kicked in the back of the leg, when in fact the sensation is caused by the tendon tearing.

Other symptoms may include:

Sudden, sharp pain at the back of the ankle, particularly near the heel.
Swelling and bruising at the back of the ankle.
Pain when walking, especially when climbing stairs or walking uphill.
Tenderness or pain when touched around the area where the tendon has torn.

What Causes an Achilles Tendon Rupture?

An Achilles tendon may tear when the tendon becomes weaker and more susceptible to injury, then is exposed to a load or force beyond its capacity. Several causes and risk factors may increase the likelihood of an Achilles tendon rupture, including:

Tendinopathy: Changes or damage to the tendon caused by repeated cycles of use, repair, and degeneration.
Sudden movements during sports: Such as forceful jumping, sudden pivoting, or accelerating while running, which can result in a sports injury.
Excessive strain on the tendon: A sudden increase in force or pressure can cause the tendon to tear.
Falls or trips: Impact or sudden movements caused by losing balance can also lead to an Achilles tendon rupture.
Certain medical conditions: Some conditions, including rheumatologic disorders, may weaken the tendon and make it more prone to tearing.
Certain medications: Long-term steroid use and some types of antibiotics may increase the risk of Achilles tendon rupture.

Treatment for an Achilles Tendon Rupture

Before receiving medical treatment, pain and swelling caused by an Achilles tendon injury can be managed using the RICE method (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation):

Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured leg.
Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injured area to help reduce pain and swelling.
Compression: Wrap the ankle with a bandage to provide gentle pressure and help prevent further swelling.
Elevation: Keep the leg at or above heart level to help reduce swelling.

A torn Achilles tendon generally takes around 4–6 months to heal. Medical treatment may include:

Brace or walking cast: Nonsurgical treatment involves limiting movement of the injured foot and ankle. The foot, ankle, and calf are positioned using a brace or cast with the foot pointing downward, allowing the tendon to heal and reconnect.
Surgery: For active patients, particularly those who are middle-aged or younger, doctors may recommend surgery to repair the torn tendon. The procedure involves bringing the two ends of the tendon back together and securing them with sutures. After surgery, the lower leg typically needs to be immobilized in a cast to keep the tendon from moving during the recovery period.
Physical therapy: Physical therapy is important for restoring the strength, flexibility, and function of the Achilles tendon, whether the patient undergoes surgery or receives nonsurgical treatment.

How to Prevent an Achilles Tendon Rupture

Several measures can help reduce the risk of an Achilles tendon injury:

Stretch and strengthen the calf muscles regularly without pushing them to the point of pain.
Vary your types of exercise by combining high-impact activities such as running with low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, or swimming.
Exercise on safer surfaces and wear comfortable sports shoes with adequate cushioning.
Increase training intensity gradually by adding no more than approximately 10% to your training duration, distance, or intensity each week.

Achilles Tendon Rupture Treatment by a Sports Injury Orthopedic Specialist at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital

A 37-year-old male patient experienced an Achilles tendon rupture while playing soccer, accompanied by a “pop” in his calf and difficulty walking. The examination involved applying pressure to the calf muscle while observing ankle movement. The absence of ankle movement may indicate an Achilles tendon rupture.

The patient subsequently underwent minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair surgery performed by dr. Venansius Herry Perdana Suryanta, Sp.OT, CF-Sports Injury, AIFO-K, CIPS, FIPP. The procedure was performed through an approximately 3-cm incision to bring the torn ends of the tendon together and secure them with sutures. Following surgery, the leg was immobilized, and the patient underwent gradual physical therapy to help restore strength and function.

Here is the profile of dr. Venan, an orthopedic specialist with expertise in sports injuries:

Educational Background

General Practitioner, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Padjadjaran
Orthopaedic and Traumatology Specialist, Universitas Padjadjaran
Overseas Orthopaedic Training Program, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary

Courses & Trainings

Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS), Jakarta
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Jakarta
Update of Practical Medical Treatment for General Practitioners, Bandung
Workshop “OA Management: The Role of Viscosupplement,” Bandung
COE 61st: Management of the Cruciate Patella and Osteoarthritis, Bali
12th Annual Scientific Meeting of the Indonesian Spine Society, Banjarmasin
AO Trauma Course, Jakarta

dr. Venan’s Practice Schedule at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital

dr. Venansius Herry Perdana Suryanta, Sp.OT, CF-Sports Injury, AIFO-K, CIPS, FIPP is available for consultation at Mandaya Royal Puri Hospital on:

Tuesday: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM WIB
Wednesday: 4:00 PM–8:00 PM WIB
Friday: 4:00 PM–8:00 PM WIB
Saturday: 4:00 PM–8:00 PM WIB

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*The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes and general information only and does not represent the full range of medical services that may be provided by each doctor. To determine the most appropriate treatment for your condition, consultation with the relevant doctor is recommended.

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