Achilles Tendon Tears

Your Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body. It connects your calf muscles with your heel bone, and without it you can’t walk, run or jump.

Your Achilles is also very susceptible to injury. In fact, if you’re 30 to 50 years old and take part in certain physical activities, you could be prone to a rupture, or tear, of your Achilles.

Typically, an Achilles tear will happen in one of two spots — either four to six inches above your heel, or where your Achilles connects with your heel bone. The latter case can actually result in some of your bone being pulled away by the tear.

If you feel a sudden snap or pain in the back of your leg, it could be that you have just torn your Achilles. In that case, you should immediately apply ice and elevate your leg.

In most cases, surgery will be the best option to repair your Achilles. Here, your surgeon will open the back of your heel, and suture your tendon back together. After the procedure, you’ll need to be immobilized in a splint, cast, or boot for a short period of time. Finally, you’ll need physical therapy before you’re back to normal. Your entire rehabilitation could take 6months to a year.