What is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in our bodies. It connects the calf muscle to your heel (at the back of your ankle and foot). It needs to be extremely strong and springy in order to help propel your body up and forward as well as absorb the shock from landing while running, jumping and even walking.
Achilles Tear vs. a Rupture
An Achilles tear means that the tendon is only damaged and still attached. The severity of that damage earns the tear a different grade.
- Grade 1 tear –> mild
- Grade 2 tear –> moderate
- Grade 3 tear –> severe tear, nearing a rupture.
When the tendon ruptures it is completely severed and you will not be able to move the ankle into a toes pointed position very well at all.
How do I know if I have a rupture or tear?
A simple way to tell if you might have a fully ruptured Achilles tendon is if you can point your ankle/toes. If not, and you can see a large bump in your upper calf, it is likely you have a full rupture and should see a doctor immediately. The longer you wait, the more likely the tendon cannot be fixed. 
What are the symptoms of a tear or rupture?
With a tear, you are going to experience:
- Pain that can be severe with walking
- You won’t want to move your ankle up or down because of pain
- Swelling and bruising along the tendon.
When the tendon is partially torn there will be:
- Inflammation and swelling causing pain especially when you move the ankle/put tension on the injured tendon.
With a rupture, the pain may be:
- More immediate and then will not be severely painful afterwards.
- There will still be considerable swelling and bruising, which may cause tenderness in the area when touched,
- Walking will likely not be as painful compared to a tear.
Some patients have described the feeling of a ruptured Achilles as feeling like they were kicked in the back of the leg.
Will physical therapy be necessary?
It is a good idea to catch an Achilles tear early, as in, before it happens. Tears and ruptures often do not happen in a healthy tendon. If the tendon has been chronically painful and irritated for a while, a tear or rupture is more likely. So catch Achilles and heel pain as early as possible and see a PT for assistance in managing the condition. You will definitely benefit from addressing ankle, leg and hip strength and mobility issues if you have an Achilles tear.
If not treated quickly (within the first 2-3 days) the tendon may not be able to be re-attached.
With that said, please come in to see us if you have had Achilles tendon or heel pain and address it early!
By Leigh Taylor, DPT
