What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Calcaneal Tendon Rupture
• Severely Torn Achilles Tendon

What is Achilles Tendon Tear? (Definition/Background Information)

• Achilles Tendon Tear (or rupture) is an injury that occurs when the tendon that attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone tears. The Achilles tendon may be partially or completely torn.
• Achilles Tendon Tears are usually caused by any physical activity, such as an athletic sport, which results in repetitive stress on the heel.
• Middle-aged adults, who participate in athletic sports and activities, are more likely to experience such an injury.
• The treatments associated with this injury include both nonsurgical and surgical methods. However, individuals with a complete tear of the Achilles tendon require surgery.
• The prognosis of Achilles Tendon Rupture is usually excellent with appropriate treatment.

Who gets Achilles Tendon Tear? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Achilles Tendon Tears are most common in individuals between the ages of 30 to 40 years old
• The condition is five times more common in men than women
• No ethnic or racial preference is seen 

What are the Risk Factors for Achilles Tendon Tear? (Predisposing Factors)

Common risk factors for Achilles Tendon Tears include:

• Middle-aged men between the ages of 30 to 40 years old
• Individuals with Achilles tendinopathy (condition caused due to overuse of the Achilles tendon, seen with pain and swelling)
• Inflexible or weak calf muscles
• Previous tear of the Achilles tendon
• Individual’s who participate in sports that involve running, jumping, and sudden pivoting, such as basketball
• Excess body weight associated with obesity, wh forich can cause increased pressure on the ankle joints
• Injection of corticosteroid into the ankle joint that can weaken the surrounding tendons and has been linked with Achilles Tendon Tears
• Certain types of antibiotics medications, called fluoroquinolones, have also been associated with increased rates of Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Individuals with certain collagen vascular diseases that can weaken tendons such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and scleroderma

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases ones chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others. 

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider. 

What are the Causes of Achilles Tendon Tear? (Etiology)

Common causes for Achilles Tendon Tears include:

• Individuals participating in certain sports activities that put a lot of stress on the Achilles tendon such as basketball
• Falling from a significant height
• Overstretching the Achilles tendon 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Tear?

The signs and symptoms of Achilles Tendon Tear include:

• A loud ‘popping’ sound noticed at the time of injury
• Significant pain and swelling around the heel
• Difficulty putting weight on the foot
• Difficulty applying weight on the affected foot
• Walking with a limp 

How is Achilles Tendon Tear Diagnosed?

Diagnostic methods that a physician may use to help diagnose Achilles Tendon Tears include:

• Physical examination: During a physical examination, the physician will examine the back of the foot and ankle and look for signs of swelling, tenderness, and pain along the tendon. If a complete tear has occurred, the physician may feel a gap in the tendon. Individuals are also expected to provide an explanation of the circumstances that caused the injury. In addition to this, a complete medical history can aid in arriving at a definitive diagnosis
• Lateral X-ray of the heel: X-rays use radiation to produce images of the joints. A lateral x-ray of the heel is very important in helping a physician determine if avulsion (forcible detachment due to trauma) of the Achilles tendon has occurred
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the heel: An MRI is a more detailed scan that uses radio waves and strong magnetic fields to produce clearer images of the Achilles tendon. This allows the physician to view the amount of inflammation and if a partial tear of the Achilles tendon has occurred

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis. 

What are the possible Complications of Achilles Tendon Tear?

The complications of Achilles Tendon Rupture may include:

• Permanent disability, if left untreated
• Prolonged and chronic pain
• Recurrence of the injury

How is Achilles Tendon Tear Treated?

Both nonsurgical and surgical methods may be used to treat Achilles Tendon Tears. However, individuals with a complete tear of the Achilles tendon may require a surgery. 

Nonsurgical treatment for Achilles Tendon Tears includes:

The RICE method is effective for a high percentage of sports-related injuries. RICE is an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

• Any activity that further aggravates the condition should be avoided. The physician usually recommends refraining from all such activities, until the symptom’s stop and the tendon heals
• Applying ice to the heel can help reduce pain and swelling
• Compression using wraps or elastic bandages can decrease movement of the tendon, and help reduce swelling
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory oral medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may be used to treat Achilles tendinitis. These medications can help decrease the pain and swelling
• Therapists usually prescribe certain stretching and strengthening exercises that could aid in strengthening and improving the flexibility of the Achilles tendon, and also help reduce discomfort 

Surgical treatment for Achilles Tendon Tears includes:

• Achilles tendon repair: It is a surgical procedure to re-attach both runs of the torn Achilles tendon, using small surgical instruments and sutures

How can Achilles Tendon Tear be Prevented?

A few recommendations to help prevent Achilles Tendon Tears include:

• Warming-up prior to exercising
• Stretching before exercising or taking part in sports activities that increases flexibility in the tendons
• Maintaining a healthy body weight
• Wearing proper fitting and appropriate footwear, such as shoes that provide adequate cushion for the heel, in order to help reduce stress on the Achilles tendon
• Performing exercises to strengthen the calf muscles

What is the Prognosis of Achilles Tendon Tear? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• When properly diagnosed and treated, individuals usually make a complete recovery
• A full recovery and return to sports or normal daily activities may usually require 4-12 months. This also depends on whether the Achilles tendon is partially torn or completely torn
• However, developing certain lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy body weight is important in preventing a recurrence of Achilles Tendon Tear

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Achilles Tendon Tear:

• The Achilles tendon is named after Achilles, the mythologic Greek hero of the Trojan War
• Achilles Tendon Tears occur in approximately 1 in 5,000 individuals