Achilles Tendon Tears Explained: From Injury to Rehabilitation
In this blog post, we expand further on tendon tears, starting with the ankle. More specifically, we are going to discuss the Achilles tendon. In this post, we’ll explore what an Achilles tear is, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, and what recovery typically looks like.
What Is an Achilles Tear?
As discussed in our previous Achilles tendinopathy post, the Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, enabling walking, running, and jumping. An Achilles tear occurs when the fibers of the tendon are partially or completely severed.
- Partial tear: Some fibers are torn, but the overall tendon is still intact.
- Complete tear (rupture): The tendon fibers are no longer intact.
Causes of Achilles Tears
Achilles tears can happen in a variety of ways. The most common occur due to sudden stress or forceful movements, often during sports or physical activities. Common causes include:
- Jumping or pivoting motions, especially in sports like basketball, soccer, tennis, and pickleball
- Falling or tripping where the foot is forced upward (dorsiflexed) unexpectedly
- Direct trauma to the tendon (kicked or struck by an object on the tendon)
- Aging and degeneration of the tendon over time
Symptoms of an Achilles Tear
An Achilles rupture is often a sudden event. Many patients describe a sharp pain to the back of the ankle or calf, often feeling as if they have been “kicked” or “hit”. This is usually accompanied by a popping or snapping sound. Individuals may experience bruising, swelling, and sometimes note a gap or dent where the tendon was torn. Commonly the individual will struggle with walking afterwards.
Diagnosis
If you suspect an Achilles tear, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and sometimes medical imaging to confirm the severity and location of the tear.
Treatment Options
Treatment for an Achilles tear depends on many factors. Typically, there are two options: non-surgical interventions and surgical repairs. In years past, partial tears would be treated with a conservative, non-surgical approach, while complete tears would undergo surgery. In recent years however, there has been a shift to conservative management of both partial and complete tears. Studies have shown comparable outcomes and re-rupture rates with both the surgical and non-surgical approaches. Nevertheless, the decision between non-surgical vs surgical options for a full Achilles tear is complex and depends on a variety of factors. The most important thing is early diagnosis.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Achilles injuries, depending on the severity, take approximately 4 to 6 months (or longer) to heal. Rehabilitation varies, but generally involves a period of immobilization for the affected Achilles, followed by physical therapy to regain strength, range of motion, and function. Full recovery and return to sports can take up to 12 months.
Conclusion:
An Achilles tear can be a traumatic and painful injury, but with early diagnosis and appropriate care, most people recover fully. If you have recently been diagnosed with an Achilles injury, consult with one of the physiotherapists at Kamloops Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Centre, as they can guide you through a specific, individualized rehabilitation program that will improve your chances of a full recovery.
This blog post was written by physiotherapist Jacob Coelho. To book an appointment with Jacob or one of our other experienced therapists, call 250-314-0788.