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Achilles tendon injuries
6-minute read
Key facts
- The Achilles tendon is the thick cord at the back of your ankle that attaches the calf muscle to your heel.
- Some common injuries of the Achilles tendon are Achilles tendinopathy or a sudden tear of the tendon.
- Achilles tendon injuries can cause pain, swelling and weakness at the back of your ankle.
- To identify a tendon injury, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and may do some physical tests.
- Most Achilles tendon injuries do not need surgery — see your doctor or physiotherapist for a treatment plan.
What are Achilles tendon injuries?
The Achilles tendon (often called the 'Achilles') is the thick cord at the back of your ankle. It attaches the calf muscle to the back of your heel.
The 2 most common injuries of the Achilles tendon are:
- Achillies rupture (break)
- Achilles tendinopathy
Achilles rupture is a common injury that occurs when your tendon is stretched past its natural range.
Achilles tendinopathy is a long-term condition that weakens your Achilles tendon. This happens when your Achilles tendon is not able to heal from many small tears keep occurring. This is a degenerative condition.
Achilles tendinopathy was previously called 'tendinitis'. Tendinitis is a type of inflammation of the tendon.
What symptoms are related to Achilles tendon injuries?
The symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy include:
- the Achilles tendon being sore to touch
- swelling around your heel and lower leg
- pain when walking or jumping
- stiffness, mostly in the morning or after being still for some time
If you tear your Achilles tendon, it can feel like a strike to the back of your ankle. You may also hear a popping sound.
If you have pain under your heel, it is usually not an Achilles tendon problem.
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What causes Achilles tendon injuries?
Achilles tendinopathy is caused by overloading or weakening of your Achilles tendon. This may happen because of:
- a sudden change in physical activity
- less rest time between activities
- exercising in cold weather
- tight or weak calf muscles
- getting older
- a family history of tendon problems
Achilles tendon rupture usually happens because of a sudden load. This can be due to:
- jumping
- sudden bursts of running
- some medicines, such as certain antibiotics, that weaken your tendons
How is the cause of an Achilles tendon injury diagnosed?
To diagnose a tendon injury, your doctor or physiotherapist will ask about your symptoms and feel the Achilles tendon and calf.
They may also ask you do physical tasks such as hopping or standing on your toes.
You may need an ultrasound or MRI to help confirm the problem. This is often not needed.
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When should I see my doctor?
You should see a doctor or physiotherapist for advice if:
- the pain started after a sudden movement like running
- you feel weakness or can't move your foot down
- the pain is severe
- you have swelling
- your pain does not improve over a few days
If your pain has not improved after treatment, go back to your doctor or physiotherapist. They can change your treatment plan. It can sometimes take months for your symptoms to get better.
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How are Achilles tendon injuries treated?
Most Achilles tendon injuries can be treated without surgery.
Self-care at home
Depending on the type of injury, your doctor or physiotherapist may advise you to:
- take pain relief medicine — like paracetamol
- avoid activities that increase your pain
- wear supportive shoes or even a small heel lift
- do gradual exercises to improve your calf strength
- tape your foot and heel
Medicines for Achilles tendon injuries
Check with your doctor if anti-inflammatory medicine is right for you.
Other treatment options
In some situations, you may need surgery to repair your torn Achilles tendon, but often this is not needed.
Most people need a program for rehabilitation. The time it takes for a full recovery will depend on factors such as age, activity level and overall health.
What are the complications of an Achilles tendon injury?
A common complication of Achilles tendon rupture is deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Surgery can also result in wound complications
Achilles tendons can tear again.
How can Achilles tendon injuries be prevented?
You can help protect your Achilles tendons by:
- slowly building up your level of physical activity
- resting between workouts
- doing exercises that strengthen your calf muscles
- changing or avoiding activities that cause you pain
Resources and Support
For more information about the causes, diagnosis and management of Achilles heel injuries, visit Sports Medicine Australia.
You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.