Description

Causes

Your Achilles tendon helps you point your foot downward, rise on your toes and push off your foot as you walk. You rely on it virtually every time you move your foot.Rupture usually occurs in the section of the tendon located within 2 1/2 inches (about 6 centimeters) of the point where it attaches to the heel bone. This section may be predisposed to rupture because it gets less blood flow, which also may impair its ability to heal.Ruptures often are caused by a sudden increase in the amount of stress on your Achilles tendon. Common examples include: Increasing the intensity of sports participation, especially in sports that involve jumping Falling from a height Stepping into a hole SymptomsRisk factorsShareTweet

ClinicalTrials

Complications

Appointment

Diagnosis

We take the time to listen, to find answers and to provide you the best care.During the physical exam, your doctor will inspect your lower leg for tenderness and swelling. In many cases, doctors can feel a gap in your tendon if it has ruptured completely.The doctor may also ask you to kneel on a chair or lie on your stomach with your feet hanging over the end of the exam table. He or she may then squeeze your calf muscle to see if your foot will automatically flex. If it doesn't, you probably have ruptured your Achilles tendon.If there's a question about the extent of your Achilles tendon injury — whether it's completely or only partially ruptured — your doctor may order an ultrasound or MRI scan. These painless procedures create images of the tissues of your body.Preparing for your appointmentTreatments and drugs

Experience

Research

RiskFactors

Factors that may increase your risk of Achilles tendon rupture include: Age. The peak age for Achilles tendon rupture is 30 to 40. Sex. Achilles tendon rupture is up to five times more likely to occur in men than in women. Recreational sports. Achilles tendon injuries occur more often during sports that involve running, jumping, and sudden starts and stops — such as soccer, basketball and tennis. Steroid injections. Doctors sometimes inject steroids into an ankle joint to reduce pain and inflammation. However, this medication can weaken nearby tendons and has been associated with Achilles tendon ruptures. Certain antibiotics. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or levofloxacin (Levaquin), increase the risk of Achilles tendon rupture. CausesPreparing for your appointmentShareTweet

Speciality

At Mayo Clinic, we take the time to listen, to find answers and to provide you the best care.Achilles tendon ruptureAchilles (uh-KILL-eez) tendon rupture is an injury that affects the back of your lower leg. It most commonly occurs in people playing recreational sports.The Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord that connects the muscles in the back of your calf to your heel bone. If you overstretch your Achilles tendon, it can tear (rupture) completely or just partially.If your Achilles tendon ruptures, you might feel a pop or snap, followed by an immediate sharp pain in the back of your ankle and lower leg that is likely to affect your ability to walk properly. Surgery is often the best option to repair an Achilles tendon rupture. For many people, however, nonsurgical treatment works just as well.SymptomsShareTweet

Symptoms

Although it's possible to have no signs or symptoms with an Achilles tendon rupture, most people experience: Pain, possibly severe, and swelling near your heel An inability to bend your foot downward or "push off" the injured leg when you walk An inability to stand on your toes on the injured leg A popping or snapping sound when the injury occurs Seek medical advice immediately if you feel a pop or snap in your heel, especially if you can't walk properly afterward.DefinitionCausesShareTweet

SymptomsAndCauses

Treatment

Because an Achilles tendon rupture can impair your ability to walk, it's common to seek immediate treatment at a hospital's emergency department. You may also need to consult with doctors specializing in sports medicine or orthopedic surgery.You may want to write a list that includes: Detailed descriptions of the symptoms and the precipitating event Information about past medical problems All the medications and dietary supplements you take Questions you want to ask the doctor The doctor may ask you some of the following questions: How did this injury occur? Did you feel or hear a popping or snapping sound when it happened? Can you stand on tiptoe on that foot? Risk factorsTests and diagnosisShareTweet