Achilles Tendon Rupture

While this injury can occur in anyone, certain groups are more prone to it:

• Men aged 30–50 are particularly vulnerable, likely due to a mix of physical activity levels and the natural decline in tendon elasticity over time.
• Athletes who engage in sports involving sudden bursts of movement—like sprinting, basketball, or tennis—are at a higher risk.
• Occasional exercisers - weekend warriors who engage in intense physical activity without regular training are also susceptible.

Other contributing factors include:

• A history of tendon problems or overuse.
• Use of medications like corticosteroids or certain antibiotics (e.g., fluoroquinolones), which can weaken tendons.
• Wearing unsuitable footwear during physical activity.

How Does an Achilles Tendon Rupture Happen?

This injury often occurs suddenly during activities requiring explosive movement. Common scenarios include:

• Jumping or pushing off the ground forcefully.
• Abruptly changing direction.
• Stumbling or stepping into a hole unexpectedly.

People often describe feeling as if they were kicked or stabbed in the back of the leg, sometimes accompanied by a loud “pop” or “snap.”

If you suspect an Achilles tendon rupture, watch for the following signs:

1. A sharp, sudden pain at the back of the ankle or calf.
2. Swelling and bruising between the calf and heel.
3. Difficulty pointing the toes or walking normally.
4. Inability to stand on tiptoes on the affected leg.

These symptoms require prompt medical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment.

First Aid for an Achilles Tendon Injury

In the immediate aftermath of an Achilles tendon injury, the RICE method is highly effective

• Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured leg.
• Ice: Apply a cold pack wrapped in a cloth or tea towel to reduce swelling. Avoid placing ice directly on the skin.
• Compression: Use an elastic bandage to support the area and minimize swelling.
• Elevation: Keep the leg raised above heart level whenever possible.

For pain relief, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can be helpful. Pharmacists recommend products like:

• Cuprofen Maximum Strength Tablets (Ibuprofen 400mg): Ideal for reducing pain and inflammation.
• Panadol Advance or Extra Soluble Tablets: These offer effective pain relief and are gentle on the stomach.
• Solpadeine Plus Soluble Tablets: For moderate to severe pain, combining paracetamol and codeine.

Always follow the dosing instructions and consult a pharmacist if you’re unsure about the right product.

If you suspect that you have ruptured your Achilles tendon, always seek urgent medical attention from your local emergency department. The condition is usually managed by hospital teams, and if you see your doctor they will refer you to the hospital team. The sooner this condition is treated the better the chance of a full recovery.

You can also book an appointment from our platform, here. Or if you would like to find out more information, you can chat using healthwords.ai chat.

What will my doctor do?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms, your medical history, and any relevant family medical history. They will then examine your calf and Achilles, performing different tests to confirm the possible rupture. Your doctor will commonly arrange some imaging such as an X-ray to exclude any bony injury, or an ultrasound scan to assess the Achilles tendon in more detail. If these can be done as an outpatient, you may be placed in a supportive boot or cast whilst waiting for the follow-up appointment where the results are discussed.

If a rupture is confirmed, the two options for treatments are surgery or functional bracing. The most common management is functional bracing, where the foot is placed in a boot for a number of weeks with small adjustments to allow the tendon to heal over time. Another option is to wear a cast for several weeks from the knee down, with your foot put in a fully downwards position. This means you can’t put weight on your leg and will need to use crutches while in the cast. You’re more likely to need surgery if there’s been a delay in treating the tendon, if it keeps happening, or if you’re young and very active.

Your recovery time depends on whether you have had surgery or not. Whatever type of treatment you have, you can usually expect to be able to be back doing normal activities within four to six months although it can take longer to get back to high-impact sports such as football or squash.