Ruptured Achilles Tendon: the facts

What’s the Achilles tendon?

The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone.  This means it comes under tension as the toes are pulled towards you or as you push off when jumping or running.  This tension, if extreme, can cause a ruptured Achilles tendon.

How does a rupture differ from a strain?

Commonly, tendons will partially tear, this is known as a strain.  This means that some but, crucially, not all of the fibres have torn.  This allows the muscle to function and more importantly, provides some structure for healing to happen around.  A rupture is when ALL of the fibres tear. This is a major problem and needs urgent care so that healing can happen

What to do immediately after a ruptured Achilles tendon?

If you feel like you were kicked or shot in the back of the heel and then find you lack strength, but not much pain, it could well be you have a ruptured Achilles tendon.  You need to get urgent care, register the claim with ACC, and hopefully get an ultrasound.  This will guide if you need a plaster or moon boot.  This will put the split ends of the tendon together and allow healing to happen.

What happens after a ruptured Achilles tendon?

You will be in plaster or a moon boot brace for a while, probably around 6 weeks .  After the plaster comes off give Pure Physio Albany a call (09 4481277) or book online here.  You will need a gradual progression of stretches, strengthening, balance and functional rehabilitation.  The good news is with quality physio a full recovery is very likely.

It is really important that you stick to your exercises.  In the early stages physio will be hands on preparing your calf for the gradual increased loading of exercises, this preparatory work really maximises the effectiveness of the exercises once they are started.  Exercises will initially be to improve the basic function of the calf but ultimately will take into account the activities you want to achieve whether that is work, sports or other hobbies.