Torn Achilles tendon - what to do?

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What is an Achilles tendon rupture?

An Achilles tendon rupture is a complete or partial severing of the Achilles tendon. It connects the calf muscle to the heel. The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body and enables us to walk, run and jump. If the Achilles tendon is torn, comprehensive medical treatment is necessary.

Causes and risk factors: How does a rupture of the Achilles tendon occur?

A rupture of the Achilles tendon can be caused by sudden strain or damaging movements, for example when sprinting, jumping or stopping abruptly, such as in soccer, tennis or basketball. A violent blow to the tendon, such as a fall or kick, as well as prolonged overloading with repeated micro-injuries can also lead to a tear. The Achilles tendon also loses elasticity with increasing age. This is why older people are affected more frequently. Other risk factors are:

Preventing Achilles tendon ruptures

To minimize the risk of an Achilles tendon rupture, it is particularly important to warm up sufficiently, stretch and gradually increase the load during sport. Wear suitable shoes and have irritations and complaints checked by a doctor in good time.

Symptoms: Pain in the Achilles tendon

An Achilles tendon rupture is often compared to a sudden, painful and sometimes audible crack of the whip. Shortly after the injury, a sharp pain occurs in the heel area, which can also radiate into the adjacent tissue. There is also significant swelling and bruising around the heel. In addition, standing and walking is painful and severely restricted and a loss of strength when pulling the foot up is noticeable. It is hardly possible to stand on tiptoe. 

Achilles tendon rupture: therapy and treatment plan

The aim of treating an Achilles tendon rupture - with or without surgery - is to achieve a stable Healing of the tendon to prevent a new tear. At the same time, the strength and endurance of the calf muscles should be restored as quickly and completely as possible. The treatment plan for an Achilles tendon rupture depends, among other things, on age and activity of the person affected and the severity of the injury.

Conservative treatment for Achilles tendon rupture without surgery

In the case of a fresh Achilles tendon rupture, the tendon ends are still well supplied with blood and can grow back together on their own. In order for the tendon to heal in the correct position, the foot must be set in a pointed foot position with a special orthosis. The tip of the foot is pointing downwards and the heel is slightly raised. A partial Achilles tendon rupture (partial tear of the Achilles tendon) can also be treated conservatively.

Surgical treatment for Achilles tendon rupture

In young, active and sporty people with complete and partial Achilles tendon tears or tears with widely separated tendon ends, these are reconnected with a suture to ensure stable healing. The operation can be open or minimally invasive.

After Achilles tendon rupture surgery, the foot is also stabilized with an orthosis for a few weeks. Early movement and partial weight-bearing after an Achilles tendon rupture can have a positive effect on healing. It is therefore advisable to start with controlled movement exercises of the ankle and light weight-bearing on the foot shortly after the operation. As soon as the wound has healed and the stitches have been removed, weight-bearing can be slowly increased until the foot can be fully loaded again - still protected by an orthosis.

Long healing time but good prognosis for Achilles tendon rupture

Healing the Achilles tendon is a lengthy process that can take up to twelve months. During this time, remodeling processes take place in the Achilles tendon that affect muscle strength, functionality and muscle endurance. Patients who are active in sports must expect that a full return to sport will take time: around 80 percent of those affected can return to sport after six months, albeit often with restrictions. The return time to daily activities life is four to five months on average¹.

Exercises after Achilles tendon rupture

The treatment is followed by a rehabilitation phase of several weeks with physiotherapy and special exercises for Achilles tendon ruptures to restore the strength and mobility of the foot.

Special shoe after Achilles tendon rupture: Lower leg foot orthosis from medi

The medi ROM Walker* is a medical orthosis in the form of a shoe that can be individually adjusted. It supports the early functional mobilization of patients. The leg shells and circular Velcro fasteners provide controlled compression. Its special roll-off sole promotes a natural gait pattern. The orthosis is also used in conservative therapy without surgery.

The medi Rehab one medical compression stocking can be used for post-traumatic and post-operative oedema therapy: The compression on the tissue can reduce existing swelling and counteract the formation of oedema.

You can find more information about our medi lower leg foot orthoses here.