CaRi-heart technology
Revolutionary new technology to assess the risk of a serious heart condition or heart attack – many years before anything happens.
Achilles tendon rupture
A common and painful tear of the ankle tendon.
What is a ruptured Achilles tendon?
Your Achilles tendon connects your heel bone to your calf muscles. A complete tear across the tendon is called a rupture.
It can often happen during sport or exercise that involves pushing off the ground sharply, like basketball, gymnastics, tennis, squash or badminton, especially in less conditioned athletes. It's a serious and painful injury which needs treatment.
Need to know
At the time of your injury, you'll usually feel a sudden and severe pain in the back of your ankle. There may also be a snapping or popping sound. Most people think they've been hit on the back of their ankle.
You might find the pain soon settles down into a dull ache. You may also have difficulty pointing your toes downward or standing on tip toes and experience a lack of control in your foot movements.
After a suspected Achilles tendon rupture, your consultant will take a full history of what happened, examine you fully and order an ultrasound scan or an MRI scan. You may also require an X-ray or blood tests if other conditions are suspected.
There are two main options for managing an Achilles tendon rupture, which have similar healing times and will be discussed in full with your consultant.
The first is to immobilise the tendon in a plaster cast, brace or protective boot, most likely with your toes pointed down. You'll have to use crutches and keep the weight off it for at least four weeks. It will usually take 10-12 weeks to heal fully.
The second is a surgical procedure to reattach the separated tendon ends. It will then need rest in a plaster or a protective boot as it heals. A surgical repair is associated with a slightly lower chance of re-rupture than non-operative management.
Our locations
Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road W1T 7HA London
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
The Portland Hospital
205-209 Great Portland Street W1W 5AH London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.