Achilles tendon rupture

Understanding the condition

A rupture is a tear of the Achilles tendon. A sudden pop or feeling of being kicked may be followed by weak push-off; pain can settle despite a serious tear. A clinical examination and sometimes ultrasound establish the diagnosis. Prompt assessment matters.

Treatment options

Many ruptures can be treated without surgery using a specialist boot and a structured rehabilitation programme. Surgery may be appropriate in selected cases, including certain delayed, repeat or unusual tears. The choice depends on the injury, health, activity goals and ability to follow treatment.

What a procedure may involve

A boot or cast holds the foot in a position that protects the tendon as it heals. Surgery joins the torn ends, sometimes through smaller incisions; older tears may need reconstruction. Both routes require careful rehabilitation. Your team will assess blood clot risk.

Risks and benefits to discuss

Both approaches can restore useful function but carry risks of rerupture, tendon elongation, reduced calf strength and blood clots. Surgery adds wound, infection, scar and nerve injury risks. Delay and unprotected stretching or loading can complicate treatment.

Any operation also carries bleeding and anaesthetic risks. Occasionally, complex regional pain syndrome causes prolonged pain and sensitivity. Your health and the extent of surgery change your personal risk.

Rehabilitation and aftercare

Wear the boot as prescribed and do not change its angle or wedges without instructions. Follow the stated weight-bearing limits and protect the tendon during washing and transfers. Avoid calf stretching or heel-drop exercises until permitted. Physiotherapy builds motion, strength and balance in stages.

Expected outcomes and recovery

Recovery is lengthy. Walking returns before running, jumping or full sporting ability; strength may continue improving over a year or longer. Some weakness can persist. Return to activity is based on recovery milestones and clinical clearance.

When to seek urgent help

A suspected rupture needs urgent clinical assessment. During recovery, a new snap or sudden loss of function may mean rerupture. Calf pain or swelling, worsening wound redness, discharge, fever or boot pressure needs urgent review. Chest pain or breathlessness requires emergency help: call 999.

Your consent discussion

Ask which treatment best addresses your symptoms, what alternatives are reasonable, what the main risks mean for you, and what recovery will involve at home and work. This guide supports that discussion; consent is completed with your treating team. Your individual written instructions take priority.

Your consent discussion

Use the patient pack to record your priorities, the proposed procedure, its alternatives, the benefits you hope for and risks that matter to you. A clinician will discuss your individual circumstances and complete the appropriate hospital consent process with you.

Reading or downloading a guide does not give consent. You can ask further questions, decline treatment or change your mind before the procedure.

Further reading & sources

• Cambridge University Hospitals: Achilles rupture management ↗
• Hull University Teaching Hospitals: Achilles rupture ↗

Prepared 10 October 2026 for the practice of Mr Peyman Bakhshayesh. Professional background. General patient education; your clinical assessment and written instructions determine your care.