Life After an Achilles Tendon Tear

Tearing your Achilles tendon is a potentially serious injury that can cause pain and affect your ability to walk. When overstretched, this tendon at the back of your foot can tear partially or completely. 

We know how common Achilles tendon injuries are at Hudson Valley Foot Associates, and we’re standing by to diagnose and treat your foot problems as they arise. An important part of an Achilles tendon rupture is your recovery. Today, let’s take a look at life after an Achilles tendon tear. 

Signs and symptoms of an Achilles tendon tear

Tendons connect muscles to bones and in the case of the Achilles, it connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. An Achilles tendon rupture partially or completely tears the tough tendon tissue during an overstretching event. 

While an Achilles tendon tear can happen to anyone, it’s more common with physical activity and sports participation. It’s possible to have an asymptomatic rupture that shows no signs, but most people experience symptoms like: 

• A snap or pop occurring at the time of injury
• Pain in the heel area ranging from mild to severe
• Swelling around the heel
• Loss of downward movement of the foot, the pushing off part of taking a step
• The calf feels like it’s been bruised or kicked
• You’re unable to stand on the toes of the injured foot

Though common, an Achilles tendon tear is a serious injury, particularly when there’s a popping sensation and you’re not able to walk normally after the event. Seek urgent medical care when you suspect an Achilles tendon problem. 

Life after an Achilles tendon tear

A complete Achilles tendon rupture often requires surgery to reattach the tendon. Between injury and procedure, we’ll prescribe an immobilizing boot to limit further damage. 

Partial tears may or may not require surgery. Again, a boot or splint will stabilize your foot while damaged sections of the tendons start to heal, typically over a period of about six weeks. 

At some point during recovery, we’ll start movement and strengthening exercises to restore flexibility and rebuild strength. Depending on the severity of your injury, this period of physical therapy usually starts between two and six weeks after the initial tendon tear. 

You’ll continue these exercises throughout your full recovery period, which may last as long as six months. Even then, you’ll have a greater risk of reinjuring your tendon. Some steps you can take to help avoid reinjury include: 

• Maintain your Achilles tendon with continued flexibility and strength exercises
• Wear comfortable, supportive footwear and avoid high heels
• Consult with our podiatrists before you resume an activity or sport
• Perform stretches and warm-ups prior to any activity that places increased demand on your recovered foot

There are factors to consider when choosing surgery for partial tears. Active and younger patients may opt for surgery as an option to restore full tendon function and strength. 

Contact Hudson Valley Foot Associates at the first sign of Achilles tendon trouble. Choose the nearest of our five locations and book your appointment online or by phone today.