Achilles tendon rupture
Tear of the Achilles tendon
A common and painful tear of the ankle tendon
What is a ruptured Achilles tendon?
It can often happen during sport or exercise that involves pushing off the ground sharply, like basketball, gymnastics, tennis, squash or badminton, especially in less conditioned athletes. It's a serious and painful injury which needs treatment.
Need to know
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What are the symptoms of Achilles tendon rupture? icon plus
At the time of your injury, you'll usually feel a sudden and severe pain in the back of your ankle. There may also be a snapping or popping sound. Most people think they've been hit on the back of their ankle.
You might find the pain soon settles down into a dull ache. You may also have difficulty pointing your toes downward or standing on tip toes and experience a lack of control in your foot movements. -
Diagnosing an Achilles tendon rupture icon plus
After a suspected Achilles tendon rupture, your consultant will take a full history of what happened, examine you fully and order an ultrasound scan or an MRI scan. You may also require an X-ray or blood tests if other conditions are suspected. -
Potential treatments for a ruptured Achilles icon plus
There are two main options for managing an Achilles tendon rupture, which have similar healing times and will be discussed in full with your consultant.
The first is to immobilise the tendon in a plaster cast, brace or protective boot, most likely with your toes pointed down. You'll have to use crutches and keep the weight off it for at least four weeks. It will usually take 10-12 weeks to heal fully.
The second is a surgical procedure to reattach the separated tendon ends. It will then need rest in a plaster or a protective boot as it heals. A surgical repair is associated with a slightly lower chance of re-rupture than non-operative management.
Our foot and ankle consultants
Our locations
From complex ankle surgery to diagnostic tests and scans of the foot, we provide exceptional orthopaedic care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7HA
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London Ankle & Arthritis Centre
Platinum Medical Centre
15-17 Lodge Road, St John's Wood
London NW8 7JA
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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Outpatients and Diagnostics at 30 Devonshire Street
30 Devonshire Street
London W1G 6PU
Book a foot and ankle appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced foot and ankle consultants. We can also make imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments for you.
Call us today
020 7079 4344