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Definition
By Mayo Clinic staff
Achilles (uh-KIL-eez) tendon rupture is an injury that affects the back of your lower leg. It most commonly occurs in people playing recreational sports.
The Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord that connects the muscles in the back of your calf to your heel bone. If you overstretch your Achilles tendon, it can tear (rupture). An Achilles tendon rupture can be partial or complete.
If you have an Achilles tendon rupture, you might feel a pop or snap, followed by an immediate sharp pain in the back of your ankle and lower leg that makes it impossible to walk properly. It almost feels like you've been kicked, or even shot.
Surgery is often the best treatment option to repair an Achilles tendon rupture.
- Ham P, et al. Achilles tendinopathy and tendon rupture. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 19, 2009.
- Mercier LR. Achilles tendon rupture. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. Philadelphia, Pa.; Mosby Elsevier: 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/144262599-3/854154771/1701/15.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50004-5--subchapter10_244. Accessed June 19, 2009.
- Achilles tendon rupture. In: DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2003. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/144262599-3/854154771/1103/1152.html#4-u1.0-B0-7216-8845-4..50032-6--cesec351_4702. Accessed June 19, 2009.
- Laskowsi ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 22, 2009.
