Achilles tendon rupture
Achilles tendon rupture – when the strongest tendon tears
The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body. It connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and has a central role in movements such as walking, running and jumping. In doing so it is exposed to enormous tensile loads every day – particularly in sport.
An Achilles tendon rupture usually happens suddenly, frequently at the start of a sprint, when jumping off or with an abrupt change of direction. It can be triggered by a powerful push-off, a direct blow to the heel, or a tendon that was already damaged – through overloading, age-related wear or cortisone injections, for example.
The middle third of the tendon is particularly vulnerable, as its blood supply is comparatively poor. In some cases the tendon even tears with no apparent injury, for instance on the first step after a longer period of inactivity.
Symptoms
An Achilles tendon rupture usually announces itself very suddenly and unmistakably.
Pain
Sudden stabbing pain around the heel or the lower calf
Loss of active push-off
Standing on tiptoe is no longer possible
Swelling and bruising
Swelling and bruising often occur around the heel or the lower calf, because nearby blood vessels can be injured at the same time
Treatment options for an Achilles tendon rupture
Treatment of an Achilles tendon rupture depends on age, on activity level, on the gap between the torn ends of the tendon and on general health.
Treatment options
Non-surgical and surgical – we will find the right approach for you
Immobilisation in a special orthosis
The foot is immobilised in a special orthosis (a Vacoped boot, for example) with the foot pointing downwards
Mobilisation under the guidance of a physiotherapist
Early functional mobilisation takes place under the guidance of a physiotherapist, in order to rebuild movement and muscle strength in a targeted way.
Minimally invasive suture technique
The tendon is sutured through small incisions in the skin using special instruments. The advantages are less scarring, less soft-tissue trauma and usually faster wound healing
Open suture technique
Through a direct approach the tendon is fully exposed and sutured – particularly suitable for complex tears or where the quality of the tendon is poor.
Tendon transfer for a degenerative rupture or an old tear
Where the Achilles tendon is badly damaged, or an older tear can no longer be sutured directly, the missing tendon function is replaced by a tendon transfer. A neighbouring tendon – usually the flexor hallucis longus, which bends the big toe – is transferred to the Achilles tendon in order to restore the transfer of force to the heel bone.
Frequently asked questions about Achilles tendon rupture
How do I know whether my Achilles tendon has torn?
Can I still walk with a torn tendon?
Does an Achilles tendon rupture always need surgery?
How long does healing take?
When can I do sport again?
Our foot specialists
Experienced consultants for Achilles tendon rupture and foot surgery
