Achilles Tendon Rupture

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Medical Author:

Christopher C Nannini, MD

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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• Achilles Tendon Rupture Overview
• Achilles Tendon Rupture Causes
• Achilles Tendon Rupture Symptoms and Signs
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Diagnosis of Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Achilles Tendon Rupture Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Surgery for Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Other Therapy
• Follow-up
• Prevention of Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Prognosis of Achilles Tendon Rupture
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors
• Read more on Achilles Tendon Rupture from Healthwise
• Viewer Comments: Achilles Tendon Rupture - Treatment

Achilles Tendon Rupture Overview

The Achilles tendon, or tendon calcaneus, is a large ropelike band of fibrous tissue in the back of the ankle that connects the powerful calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus). Sometimes called the heel cord, it is the largest tendon in the human body. When the calf muscles contract, the Achilles tendon is tightened, pulling the heel. This allows you to point your foot and stand on tiptoe. It is vital to such activities as walking, running, and jumping. A complete tear through the tendon, which usually occurs about 2 inches above the heel bone, is called an Achilles tendon rupture.

Picture of the metatarsal (foot) and calcaneus (heel) bones, the plantar fascia ligament, and the Achilles tendon of the lower leg and foot

Achilles Tendon Rupture Causes

The Achilles tendon can grow weak and thin with age and lack of use. Then it becomes prone to injury or rupture. Achilles tendon rupture is more common in those with preexisting tendinitis of the Achilles tendon. Certain illnesses (such as arthritis and diabetes) and medications (such as corticosteroids and some antibiotics, including quinolones such as levofloxacin [Levaquin] and ciprofloxacin [Cipro]) can also increase the risk of rupture.

• Rupture most commonly occurs in the middle-aged male athlete (the weekend warrior who is engaging in a pickup game of basketball, for example). Injury often occurs during recreational sports that require bursts of jumping, pivoting, and running. Most often these are tennis, racquetball, basketball, and badminton.
• The injury can happen in these situations.
• You make a forceful push-off with your foot while your knee is straightened by the powerful thigh muscles. One example might be starting a foot race or jumping.
• You suddenly trip or stumble, and your foot is thrust in front to break a fall, forcefully overstretching the tendon.
• You fall from a significant height or abruptly step into a hole or off of a curb.