Achilles Tendon Ruptures

For you to be able to jump, run, and pivot, you’ll need healthy Achilles tendons. These tendons are the largest in the body, and the Achilles tendons are tough, fibrous bands of tissue connecting the calf muscles to your heels. When the Achilles tendon is torn or ruptured, the pain can be intense, depending on the severity of the injury. Achilles tendon injuries can happen to anyone, but they are most common in people who perform activities that require quickly changing speeds and pivoting, such as tennis players or basketball players.

Achilles Tendon Injury Risk Factors

An Achilles tendon injury is more common in people in the age group of 30 to 40 years old due to reduced blood supply, making them more prone to damage. Additionally, it is five times more common to occur in men than in women. Anyone can hurt their Achilles tendon, but there are risk factors that can increase your likelihood of an injury, such as:

Changing your physical activity and/or training intensity level suddenly
Alternating from the playing surface you’re used to, such as moving from a grass tennis court to an asphalt court
Chronic ankle instability can cause the ankles to “give way” and roll
Leg-length discrepancy, which can cause the body to compensate by pulling on the Achilles tendon
Excessive training, such as running on inclines that expose the tendons to repeated micro-traumas
Excess weight puts strain on the tendon
Sometimes steroid injections used to reduce ankle joint pain and inflammation can weaken nearby tendons and has been associated with Achilles tendon ruptures

Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Rupture

Common symptoms of tendon injuries include:

Pain and swelling near the back of your leg or near your heel
Pain worsens with activity
Inability to “push off” from the injured foot or leg
Difficulty flexing the affected foot
A popping or snapping sound when the injury happens
Inability to stand on the toes of the injured leg

How Are Achilles Tendon Injuries Diagnosed?

Your orthopedist will perform a physical exam to arrive at a clinical diagnosis of an Achilles rupture or injury. Sometimes healthcare professionals misdiagnose Achilles tendon injuries as a sprained ankle. It is important to get the correct diagnosis so you receive the right treatment.

Your physician will examine the affected foot and leg and conduct a series of clinical assessments designed to test the integrity of the Achilles tendon and look for signs of tendinopathy, bone spurs, pain and swelling. These tests may include asking you to do simple movements such as leg lifts, hopping, or jumping to gauge your level of activity-related pain.

During your examination, you will be able to explain to your doctor if your pain is constant or comes and goes, and whether anything makes the pain better or worse. Your doctor will ask how and when the pain started while checking for issues such as swelling, tenderness, or redness. Other signs of tendinopathy include a loss of strength or range of motion.

Diagnostic imaging may be necessary if your orthopedist needs a more detailed view of the tendon, or to rule out other conditions that might be causing your tendon pain. MRI scans can reveal tendon thickening or micro-tears that are consistent with a tendon rupture or tendinopathy.

Treatment for Achilles Tendon Ruptures

The treatment plan developed for patients with Achilles tendon ruptures often depends on the patient’s age, activity level and the severity of your injury. Generally speaking, younger, more active people tend to choose surgery to repair a completely ruptured Achilles tendon, while older adults are more likely to choose nonsurgical treatments.

Nonsurgical Achilles Tendon Injury Treatments Include:

Resting the tendon by using crutches
Applying ice to the affected tendon
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) drugs
Utilizing a walking boot with heel wedge or cast to limit ankle movement

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Surgical Achilles Tendon Rupture Treatments

If nonsurgical treatments do not work or if the tendon injury is severe, surgery may be considered. The type of surgery depends on the location of the injury and severity of the damage to the tendon. Typically, the procedure involves removal of the damaged tendon tissue or bone spurs and repairing the damaged tendon. Depending on the severity of the injured tendon, your foot and ankle surgeon may reinforce the tendon with other tendons.

Do you have any Achilles tendon injury? Our team of fellowship trained sports medicine and foot and ankle surgeons at Hoag Orthopedic Institute can help get you back to “you.”

Frequently Asked Questions

During your first appointment with a foot and ankle specialist at Hoag Orthopedic Institute, you’ll receive a comprehensive evaluation designed to identify the root cause of your symptoms and build a treatment plan tailored to you.
Your foot doctor will review your medical history, ask about your activity level and goals, and perform a hands-on exam. Depending on your condition, they may use diagnostic tools such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI to assess bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments in greater detail.
Throughout the visit, your foot and ankle doctor will explain their findings, answer your questions, and walk you through your treatment options, whether conservative or surgical. You’ll leave with a clear plan and confidence that your care is in expert hands.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, our foot and ankle doctors provide both non-surgical and surgical solutions tailored to your specific condition and long-term goals. Non-surgical treatments may include rest, bracing, physical therapy, orthotics, corticosteroid injections, ultrasound therapy, and activity modification..
When surgery is the most effective option, our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons specialize in minimally invasive arthroscopic and robotic-assisted techniques. These procedures have been proven to reduce pain, speed recovery, and support better long-term function.
Whether you’re dealing with a sports injury, arthritis, or chronic instability, your orthopedic foot and ankle specialist will develop a treatment plan focused on relieving pain and restoring mobility — so you can get back on your feet again.
Scheduling an appointment with a highly qualified foot doctor is quick and convenient at Hoag Orthopedic Institute. Please request a consultation online or call (949) 890-0464 to speak directly with our team. They’ll match you with the right foot and ankle specialist based on your needs and availability.
Whether you need a diagnosis, a second opinion, or advanced treatment, one of our trusted foot and ankle doctors will provide state-of-the-art diagnostics and a personalized treatment plan for your recovery. We prioritize clear communication and patient-focused care from the first call to your first visit. Let's help you take the next step with confidence.
At Hoag Orthopedic Institute, board-certified foot doctors and fellowship-trained foot and ankle specialists deliver exceptional care using today’s most advanced techniques. Whether you're facing chronic foot pain, sports injuries, or complex conditions, our foot and ankle doctors create a personalized treatment plan to help you heal faster and move with a greater range of motion.
Our foot and ankle orthopedic surgeons are skilled in minimally invasive and robotic-assisted procedures that support quicker recovery with fewer complications. From diagnosis to rehab, every step of your care is guided by trusted foot and ankle specialists focused on your comfort and goals.
Patients choose our expert foot doctors for personalized care backed by innovation, compassion, and consistently excellent outcomes.

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