The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. This tendon is responsible for helping the foot flex, which allows you to rise up on your toes, run, jump and walk up and down stairs. When this tendon gets overused or strained from repetitive motions such as running or jumping, it can become inflamed, and in some cases rupture. Treatment for a torn Achilles can be very long and painful.
About
A torn Achilles usually starts with tendinitis. Some exercises--running in particular--can cause tiny tears in the tendon, which can become inflamed if the tears are not allowed to heal properly. Symptoms of tendinitis include stiffness or pain upon getting out of bed in the morning or when first starting to walk or run. This pain can decrease during activity once the muscles are warmed up, but it usually comes back afterward. If caught early, treatment of tendinitis can be relatively simple.
Significance
If tendinitis goes untreated or is severe enough, it can weaken the tendon and cause the Achilles to eventually tear. A perfectly healthy Achilles can also tear when it encounters a sudden, unexpected force, such as an abrupt jump, twist or sprint.
Symptoms
When the Achilles tears, a major pop is felt near the back of the heel. This results in pain, swelling and an inability to move normally. Because the Achilles is responsible for flexing your toes up, you won't be able to walk, run or jump freely with a torn Achilles.
Treatment
Treatment for a torn Achilles can involve surgery to reattach the tendon to the heel bone or reattach it together if the tendon tore in two. Surgery is then followed with six or more weeks in a boot, although it can often take up to six months before the Achilles is completely healed and you are able to resume regular exercise.
Non-surgery treatment involves immobilizing the foot with a boot and allowing the tendon to repair itself. Although this option is less complicated than surgery, the chances of the Achilles re-rupturing is higher. Both options also involved rehabilitation and physical therapy after the boot is removed.
Warning
When the Achilles tendon is healed and you're ready to resume activity, start back slowly. Give your body time to build back to its level prior to injury. Also, be sure to stretch and strengthen the surrounding area because tendinitis is often caused by a lack of flexibility, strength or muscular imbalance.
