Achilles Tendon Rupture: Symptoms, Treatment & Recovery

Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Repair

Achilles tendon rupture is one of the most serious injuries in sports medicine and commonly occurs in sports involving sudden jumps, sprints, and direction changes (basketball, football, tennis).

🔍 Symptoms

Sudden severe pain in the calf or behind the ankle (like a "kick" or "blow")
Inability to walk or bear weight on the injured foot
Inability to plantar flex(cannot stand on tiptoes)
Swelling and bruising in the area
Palpable gap in the tendon (approximately 2–6 cm above the heel)
Positive Thompson test(calf squeeze does not cause foot movement)

🏥 Treatment

Treatment choice depends on:

✓ Patient age

✓ Activity level

✓ Degree of rupture

1️⃣ Conservative Treatment

Immobilization with cast/brace in equinus position (plantar flexion)
Gradual angle reduction and transition to functional brace
Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Indicated for less active individuals, elderly patients, or partial ruptures

2️⃣ Surgical Treatment

Open or minimally invasive tendon repair
Indicated for young patients, athletes, or complete ruptures with high demands
Offers lower risk of re-rupture compared to conservative treatment

⏱️ Recovery & Return to Sports

0-2

0–2 weeks

Immobilization, non-weight bearing

2-6

2–6 weeks

Progressive weight bearing with brace

6-12

6–12 weeks

Range of motion exercises, gentle strengthening

3-6

3–6 months

Strengthening, balance, aerobic exercises

6-9

6–9 months

Return to high-intensity sports activities

8-12

Professional Athletes

Usually return in 8–12 months