Achilles Tendon Rupture

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Your Achilles tendon has ruptured if it gets a tear in it. A tendon is body tissue that connects your muscles to your bones. Your Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle in your lower leg to your heel bone. It acts like a spring by taking the force (pressure) from your body when it moves. It also allows you to push your foot toward the ground, such as when walking, running, or jumping. Medical conditions that affect your joints, bones, and muscles may increase your risk of having a rupture. Other risks include taking certain antibiotic (germ fighting) or steroid medicines.
  
  
• Your Achilles tendon may rupture if too much pressure is put on it. This may happen while playing sports or if you fall down stairs, get kicked, or weigh more than you should. You may feel a sudden pop that is followed by sharp pain on the back of your leg. You may find it hard to walk, go up and down stairs, or put weight on your leg. Your caregiver will look at your legs and ask you questions about your symptoms. Your caregiver may tell you that you need surgery, a cast, or a brace to fix your Achilles tendon. Having your rupture treated may help increase the strength in your leg muscles. Treatment may help decrease your pain. You may be able to return to work sooner and do your normal daily activities more easily after treatment.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• Blood thinners: This medicine helps prevent clots from forming in the blood. Blood thinners may be given before, during, and after a surgery or procedure. Blood thinners make it more likely for you to bleed or bruise. Use an electric razor and soft toothbrush to help prevent bleeding.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

Your caregiver will check your foot, ankle, and leg during your follow-up visit. Tell your caregiver about your symptoms. Your caregiver may change the position of your foot and your cast during each visit. Your caregiver will tell you how often he wants you to have your cast changed.

Activity:

Your caregiver will tell you when it is okay to walk and put weight on your leg. He will also tell you when it is okay to play sports again. You may not be able to play sports for six months or longer. Ask your caregiver when you can go back to work or school. Do not drive until your caregiver says it is okay.

Physical therapy:

Your caregiver may want you to go to physical therapy. A physical therapist will help you with special exercises. These exercises help make your Achilles tendon and leg muscles stronger. Your caregiver may do range-of-motion exercises to help you move your leg in different positions. He will help you stretch your muscles. He also may help you walk the way you did before your injury.

Crutches:

You may need to use crutches if you have a cast. Crutches may keep you from putting weight on your ankle and foot. Crutches may help your Achilles tendon heal and may decrease your chances of having another rupture. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to choose and use crutches.

Stair climbing:

Ask your caregiver about stair climbing after surgery. Do not walk up or down stairs on your tiptoes. Instead, put your weight on your entire foot.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (high body temperature).
  
  
• You have an ache or pain in your leg that is not decreased by pain medicine.
  
  
• You have swelling or redness in your ankle, heel area, or leg.
  
  
• The muscles in your legs become weak.
  
  
• You have numbness, tingling, or burning sensations in your leg.
  
  
• The skin on any part of your legs or hips turns purplish in color.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition, treatment, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You feel a sudden pop, snap, or crack at the back of your leg or heel.
  
  
• You feel a sudden pain in your injured leg or your other leg.
  
  
• You cannot move your leg or foot.
  
  
• You feel like you may have broken a bone.
  
  
• You have convulsions (seizures) or migraines (very bad headaches).
  
  
• You have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have chest pain.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Achilles Tendon Rupture (Aftercare Instructions)