The Achilles is a tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone and allows us to walk, run and jump. An Achilles tear is usually caused by an intense force on the back of the heel or from an abrupt stop.
Common signs and symptoms include:
- Pain in the back of leg
- Sudden swelling
- Bruising around the injury site
- Difficulty walking or standing up
Treatment depends on the severity of the tear. Non-surgical treatment often involves being non-weight bearing while wearing a cast or a boot to keep the foot flexed down. For serious tears, surgical treatment will often significantly improve long-term outcomes and reduce the risk of re-injury.
