5 Signs of an Achilles Tendon Rupture

Feet are an evolutionary wonder in form and function: The intricate mechanical function of the numerous bones, muscles, joints, and ligaments are responsible for everything we do standing up. They bear our full weight while we’re walking, running, jogging, or anything else we need to do while erect; they’re flexible and adaptable to the surfaces we move on; and they’re the means by which we propel ourselves forward. 

With reliance on this part of our bodies comes the increased risk of injuries, and damage to the soft tissue in our feet can affect quite a lot, compromising mobility, stability, and balance. 

The Achilles tendon (also known as the calcaneal tendon, named for the bone in your heel) connects the calf muscle in your lower leg to your heel and is the strongest and thickest tendon you have. It is also a common place for injuries, including ruptures of the tendon, and learning the signs of such an injury can help speed up proper care to heal quickly. 

Let’s examine what to look for regarding this injury by looking at the causes of this problem, signs to be wary of, and what can be done to treat it.

If you live in the Fort Worth, Texas, area, and you're experiencing heel pain you think may be tied to damage to your Achilles tendon, Dr. Joseph Daniels and his experienced medical staff at Southwest Orthopedic Associates can help.

Causes of an Achilles tendon rupture

This tendon is essential in helping your forward motion, including pointing your foot downward, rising on your toes, and pushing off your foot when you walk. Ruptures in it often happen within six centimeters (or two and a half inches) of where it attaches to the heel bone and can be due to poor blood flow, which can also inhibit healing. 

This injury is generally the result of sudden increases in stress in the tendon, such as during activities like jumping, falling, and stepping into a hole and risk factors like obesity, age (happens more in your 30s and 40s), getting steroid injections, or using antibiotics. Men also struggle with this problem more frequently than women.

Signs to look out for

There are several symptoms of a ruptured Achilles tendon to look out for:

1. Tenderness

When a rupture occurs, you can expect tenderness in the affected area, and pain that will vary depending on the extent of the damage.

2. Difficulty walking

Since this part of your foot is important for so much of how you move forward when walking, this kind of damage will limit mobility, and the pain can make maintaining balance harder.

3. Pain when walking on inclines

This part of your foot will experience even more pain when walking or running uphill or upstairs if you have a rupture in this tendon.

4. Swelling and bruising:

The damaged area will likely have discoloration from bruising and swelling from the rupture itself. This will also make wearing shoes or anything on your feet more of a challenge.

1. Trouble flexing toes

Since this tendon is so important for moving your toes when walking, an injury to it can also increase the difficulty in using them, specifically when flexing downward.

Treatment options

Managing an Achilles tendon rupture very much relies on the extent of the damage, and there are several basic tips and medical treatments to help with healing this part of the body. 

The RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) is something you can do at home to help your tendon mend itself, and depending on how long recovery is expected to be, braces and physical therapy can also help to stabilize the foot and keep it mobile as it gets better.

If the rupture is severe or the tendon has torn significantly, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the tissue. This will also mean a cast will be placed on the lower leg to keep it immobile and safe as it heals. 

If you’re experiencing pain in your heel and you think it's due to an Achilles tendon rupture, make an appointment with Dr. Daniels and the staff at Southwest Orthopedic Associates today to get it treated.