Orthopaedics in Lagos
Achilles Tendon Rupture
The signs, what causes it, and when to see a orthopaedics specialist in Lagos.
Signs to look for
Achilles Tendon Rupture
- A sudden feeling of being kicked or hit at the back of the ankle
- A snap or pop heard at the moment of injury
- Pain and swelling at the back of the ankle
- Weakness pushing off, walking flat-footed
- Being unable to stand on tiptoe on that leg
The Achilles tendon joins the calf muscles to the heel bone and lets you push off when you walk, run or jump. It usually tears in adults between about 30 and 50 during a sudden push off, in football, badminton, squash or a sprint, often in people who play sport only now and then. It is easily missed because many people can still walk. Treatment works best when it starts within days: either a boot that holds the foot pointed while the tendon heals, or an operation to stitch the ends together. Left untreated, the tendon heals long and the leg stays weak.
Medically reviewed by Dr Debo Odulana, Founder and Chief Executive, Mezo. Last reviewed . This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Care is decided with you after an examination.
Symptoms
- A sudden feeling of being kicked or hit at the back of the ankle
- A snap or pop heard at the moment of injury
- Pain and swelling at the back of the ankle
- Weakness pushing off, walking flat-footed
- Being unable to stand on tiptoe on that leg
- A gap you can feel in the tendon above the heel
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor the same day or the next, and go to an emergency department if you cannot get seen quickly, if you feel a kick or snap at the back of the ankle and cannot stand on tiptoe. Keep the foot pointed down and off the ground until you are seen. Go to a hospital now for a calf that becomes swollen, hot and painful days after an injury or a period in a cast, which can be a blood clot. Do not have the ankle massaged or tied by a bone-setter.
Treatment options
- Rest with the foot pointed and off the ground until you are seen
- Examination of the calf, and an ultrasound or MRI scan to confirm the tear
- A cast, then a walking boot with heel wedges removed step by step over several weeks
- Surgical repair for some active adults, tears seen late and tears that have torn again
- Blood-thinning injections while the leg is in a boot, where advised
- Physiotherapy to rebuild the strength of the calf
What it costs on Mezo
Starting cash prices for the treatments used for this condition.
Common Questions
Is a torn Achilles always operated on?
No. Many fresh tears heal as well in a boot, if the plan is started early and followed closely. Surgery is chosen for some active adults, and for tears seen late or torn again.
How long until I can play football again?
Usually six to nine months, and sometimes a year. Returning before the calf is strong enough is a common cause of tearing it again.
I can still walk. Could it still be torn?
Yes. The other muscles can still move the ankle, so many people with a full tear walk in. Being unable to stand on tiptoe on that leg is the clue.
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