The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone.  A rupture of the tendon is a tearing and separation of the tendon fibers so that the tendon can no longer perform its normal function.

The tear may be either partial or complete. In a partial tear, the tendon is partly torn but still joined to the calf muscle. With complete tears, the tendon is completely torn so that the connection between the calf muscles and the ankle bone is lost.  Achilles tendon can be torn if there is a high force or stress on it. This can happen with activities which involve a forceful push off with the foot – for example, soccer, running, basketball or tennis. This push off movement uses a strong contraction of the calf muscles which can stress the Achilles tendon too much.

Symptoms:

• Pain and swelling near your heel

• Inability to bend your foot downward

• Inability to stand on your toes on the injured leg

Non surgical treatment would place your feet in a cast to allow conservative treatment. This will protect the tendon while it heals. Surgery may be recommended if the rupture is fully torn.

Do seek Dr Siow’s professional advice to provide appropriate treatments for you.