Achilles Tendon Tears

Overview

An Achilles tendon tear is a serious injury that can affect mobility and strength. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical for full recovery.

Symptoms

  • Sudden sharp pain in the back of the ankle
  • Difficulty walking
  • Weakness when pushing off

Treatment

  • Non-surgical immobilization (in select cases)
  • Surgical repair for complete tears
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

An Achilles tendon tear is a partial or complete rupture of the tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. This tendon plays a crucial role in walking, running, and jumping.

Achilles tendon tears are most commonly caused by sudden, forceful movements such as jumping, pivoting, or accelerating quickly. They are frequently seen in sports but can also occur from falls or missteps.

Common symptoms include sudden sharp pain in the back of the ankle, difficulty walking, swelling, and weakness when pushing off the foot. Some patients report hearing or feeling a “pop” at the time of injury.

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and may include imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI to confirm the severity of the tear.

Yes, some partial tears and select patients with complete tears may be treated non-surgically using immobilization in a cast or boot. However, treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the patient’s activity level.

Surgical repair is often recommended for complete tears, especially in active individuals, to restore strength and reduce the risk of re-rupture.

Recovery can take several months. Most patients begin with immobilization, followed by a structured rehabilitation and physical therapy program to restore strength and mobility.

Physical therapy is essential for regaining strength, flexibility, and function. A guided rehab program helps patients safely return to normal activities and reduces the risk of reinjury.

Walking is usually very difficult and painful after a tear. Many patients are unable to push off the affected foot properly, which significantly impacts mobility.

Prevention includes proper warm-up before activity, strengthening calf muscles, avoiding sudden increases in activity level, and wearing supportive footwear.

Think You Tore Your Achilles? Get Seen Immediately

If you’re experiencing symptoms of an Achilles tendon tear, early evaluation is key to preventing long-term complications.

The best doctors are at East Bay Ortho and they specialize in advanced foot and ankle care, offering both surgical and non-surgical treatment options tailored to your needs.

Schedule your consultation today  to start your recovery and get back to the activities you love.

Our Address

East Bay Orthopaedic Trauma & Reconstruction
19842 Lake Chabot Rd, Suite B
Castro Valley, CA 94546

Contact Us

Dr. Michael Krosin,  Dr. Steven Zourabian & Dr. Virginia Lieu
Phone (510) 750-1967
Fax (844) 718-0067

Appointments

For immediate assistance during business hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm,
please call 510 750 1967