Achilles Tendon Tears - Diagnosis and Treatment of Complete Ruptures 

👉 You can get some of the rehab equipment for Achilles tears that I mention in the video here: - Aircast orthopaedic boot: geni.us/Go40Ehc - VACOped orthopaedic boot: geni.us/wX4HA - Crutches: geni.us/yBbnh2U - Heel wedges: geni.us/lA7G If you buy anything via these links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

I wish I had your knowledge prior to rupturing my Achilles, thank you for sharing. To those with this injury I feel your pain (literally) I wish you all speedy recovery and hope you regain full strength. I've had many sports related injuries, this one is by far the worse, hands down.

Ruptured my left achilles playing football back in early February. I was lucky, and had my surgery the very same day. The protocol at that particular hospital called for 2 weeks in a cast before you started wearing a boot. Wore it for 6 weeks, and was able to ditch crutches after 1 day. I wore regular shoes but had something in my shoes that built up the heal. I was able to walk without a limp around 3-3,5 weeks after ditching the boot. I've had great progression after I got out of the boot. I am currently a little bit over the half way mark (6 months) and I have started to do calf-raises in a leg pressing machine as well as doing balancing exercises on a bosu ball. I still wear custom-made soles in shoes, and I wear them when I walk (this includes inside the house). Can't wait to be back on the pitch again in late July/early August :)

Tore my Achilles today playing basketball. Went to the doctor soon afterwards, scheduled to see an orthopedist in a couple of days. Just looking forward to healing and getting back to normal. Thank you for the info.

This has been the best source of information I have found so far. Excellent. Thank you so much. From time of injury to seeing an orthopedic Dr. it will be 6 days for me. I hope that my injury has not been made worse by this delay. Thanks again.

This is an excellent guidance video. Having completely ruptured my Achilles 5 weeks ago I’ve been so keen to understand what happened in that moment, what may have caused it and what lies ahead in terms of it repairing and me regaining my fitness. It’s a disabling injury, using crutches for the first 2 weeks is a practical nightmare, wearing the medical boot after the first 2 weeks for an anticipated further 6 weeks is proving cumbersome. I’m keen to arrive at the day (hopefully at the point of 8 weeks after the injury occurred) when I can put trainers on and at least start to walk (without contraptions) ‘forward’ again and understand the physio exercises that I need to do each day to get strength back asap. It’s quite a horrible injury, it happened totally out of the blue but immediately disabled me. My independence disappeared in an instant and I’ve had to rely on other people for help which brings its own practical and emotional problems. Feeling unlucky is an understatement. My life plans that were outlined at the time with a new job and a home move were totally shredded at the time and, given the course & time of physio that’s likely to be needed, it seems that moving back to square one (with the life changes) is almost inevitable. Thank god it didn’t happen during winter with the dark mornings and short days. At least the arrival of spring (April 2022 in UK) has brought more daylight and more hope. Peace.

The boot she is talking about is the vacoped Achilles boot I believe. It’s what I used. The thing was amazing and is worth the $300ish.

Great video, I’m 5 weeks into a full rupture and this was soo soo helpful

Bless you. Thank you so much for taking the time to make this, such vital information to inform and reassure me as a patient

Kindly add a video of how to do the physiotherapy exercises to attain full strength

I was misdiagnosed in the ER with a soft tissue contusion. 1 week later after manual shift driving and walking for 12hr shifts at work I got an MRI with a partial Achilles and full calf muscle tear diagnosis. I'm now at 3 weeks doing plantar flexion braces and non weight bearing, but hopefully its not too late.

Your information is so useful unfortunately for me I didn't see it soon enough. I will still do the exercises to strengthen my muscles again. What was so crazy was the popping sound numbness and loss of strength was immediate, as I continued to try and push the car I was losing ground when I used my left leg. All of your information was very helpful, be blessed.

Thank you for all the videos you do! I share them regularly with people!

Excellent video, just found out I have full rupture of my Achilles’ tendon. Playing football last week and as you described it perfectly I sprung off on one foot but my other stayed behind and felt as if someone had hit it. Everyone said no one was near you. So it was so strange how it happened until I watched this video. Also thought it can’t be that bad as wasn’t in constant pain, so went to work for two days without knowing. Been in a cast for 2 weeks now and have had my ultra scan, been told it’s a full rupture but I see the doctor tomorrow. I’m hoping I go into a boot and hope that the boot is more easy to be mobile than a cast

Oh my. 11 weeks ago, while on vacation, I woke up with a swollen, hot ankle and could barely walk, over the next few days, walking was unbearable. Initially I thought it was gout, even though I don't drink, I am not diabetic, etc., etc. We left early and I went into 5 weeks with limited activities because there was so much pain. I then had a flare up where it got really, really painful and swollen. Had an xray and was diagnosed with calcific achilles tendinopathy. I then did at home PT with a band. 10 weeks in I was still not healing and went to my PCP who ordered and MRI and found that I indeed have a tear in my achilles. I should say I am a 69 YO female, had been fairly active, weight training, walking, etc. This limited what I could do and was not good, still is not, for my mental health. I want to heal with the best outcome no matter my age, and actually, because of my age I still want to do the things I had done before. As I watch this I am concerned that time has passed where I could've been in a boot and was proactively healing, or preventing the tear. After watching this I believe the tendon was weakened/compromised by the initial diagnosis. And I was a bit stubborn, "I will heal this myself", never dreaming it would get where it is now. I have an appointment with and ortho doc in a couple of days, no idea where that will go. I do know there is a 20mm separation. As to do I know what I did, how this happened? I have been in significant pain for weeks because of the calcific portion of my diagnosis, however at a certain point I was going up some stairs, in a bit of pain and then I felt a slight snap, then there was excruciating pain, that may have been the moment. Currently, I feel my foot is folding over, if that makes sense. I am on crutches and I also have a compression bandage on the foot for stability. Not sure where this is going, but wished I had seen this video sooner. Thank you for the detail.

Excellent video. Watched many but this one is the best. Thank you very much!!

The circumstances surrounding my injury seem rare so I’d like to share it; in hopes of helping someone else in a similar situation. Well I was involved in a car accident about a year and a half ago… I obtained a lawyer who sent me to a chiropractor to deal with a herniated disc in my back. Initially my heel was a little sore following the accident but the doctor said it was normal to feel “banged up” after a car accident. Fast forward a year later and I was still having heel pain and walking with a limp. I went to a doctor to check out my heel which was extremely swollen and I was told that I had plantar fasciitis. I was given anti inflammatory medication and signed up for physical therapy. After icing my heel a couple times a day and taking the medication the swelling did go down by about 60% after 3 weeks but I was still having heel pain and walking with a limp. After attending 3 physical therapy sessions I dropped out because the physical activity was too painful. After getting a second opinion from another doctor they too said I had plantar fasciitis and needed physical therapy. I felt like my injury was being misdiagnosed so I had my attorney find me another doctor (a specialist) and made an appointment. 1 minute into my exam the new doctor told me that I didn’t have plantar fasciitis, and he felt like I had a fractured heel or a partial torn Achilles so ordered an MRI. After waiting 18 days for a follow up appointment to get the results today I was told that my MRI revealed that I have a partially torn Achilles’ tendon and a bruised calcaneus. I was immediately placed in a VACOped boot and have an appointment to meet with a specialist a little over a month. I’ve been limping around in pain with a partially torn Achilles for a year and a half due to a misdiagnosis and medical professionals not taking my complaints seriously. Because I passed the “squeeze test” they all thought my Achilles was fine.😞 If you’re experiencing pain in your heel / Achilles request an MRI or some sort of imaging to confirm the severity of your injury!

Thanks for the video. Had the experience of a phantom calf kicker during a badminton game today. Came home, hoped for the best and that it was nothing too serious. Watched this, went to a&e and ended up getting my foot in a cast and crouches. Not sure if partial or full rupture. I'm sure I will find out soon. Focusing on a good recovery!

Was told my tear and pop wasn't something they could fix. 4 years later in still hurting

Very useful video, thank you. I just had a surgery for complete ropture in a basketball game and im studying the approches to that injury.

Great video, thanks a lot. My baby brother has a Achilles Tendon Tear and the information was very interesting.

Your delivery reminds me of peppy Sabine Hossenfelder; I like it. Good talk 👍🏽

2nd day since rupturing my Achilles, I'm more scared than ever now, need to consult my gp again, I can't lose my football career because of this

Very good information. Thank you very much.

My teacher had got Achilles tendon rupture on MRI report his tendon end gap is 5.8cm and fill with hematoma marrow edema is evident what u suggest

I had both Achilles torn tendon due to antibiotics I.v. X 2 bags each antibiotic. also I am asthmatic This was given to me for food poisoning Also occurred abroad. I just fell over like a piece on day 3 Few home same day. Saw gp next day after Getting home Given 1 booth ! Attendees privately changed Hospt sad couldn’t see consultant By then it was 6 weeks Now 5 Mrs & getting really good physio. Older person. I just can’t look back as I know I was neglected. But getting there slowly

Thanks for this informative video. I ruptured mine and went into a cast on day 5. Where I am, the doctors are very keen to promote surgery, which I did not want. The treatment here is also old school. In a cast week 1, week 2 apparently increase the downward angle and so on for 6 weeks and then boot. Hearing about dvt risks my question is simply what happens if you have no treatment at all? I am 64 years old and my running jumping days are behind me. I would be quite content with an ankle support and swimming/water jogging for excercise. Is that a possibility?

Thank you, very useful.

Thank you. DVT is scary sounding. How bout aspirin prophylactically? The plantar flexion is new info for me and helpful. My husband had sudden searing pain and couldnt walk without severe pain . He keeps it elevated as much as possible and hopefully this can help prevent a DVT. However when his leg is in a dependent position it becomes more and more unvomfortable. This is 2 days after. Hasnt seen a doctor yet and isnt sure if its achilles or calf muscle rupture. Most of the pain is in the tendon and lower third of the calf

Quinolone has been associated with corneal perforation. Not sure if the eye drops cause system absorption. If systemic absorption is a concern then punctual occlusion is advised so it doesn't join the blood stream. Quinolone is a a must for contact lens infection though.

Awesome video thank you!

This was a really good information regarding antibiotic’s & steroids. Thank you Much appreciate Sending this to my ohysio & friend gp

Thank you.

Mine was a freak accident on a trampoline one week I'm jumping 39-41 inches and running top speed of 25mph. A week later I can't even do 1 single calf raise or jump or even walk fast anymore.

If a full length Achilles rupture with a gap of 5.8cm Age 65 yrs male what should b good treatment option

Hi, ruptured my achilles a week ago. My Dr. believes laser treatment helps speed up the recovery process. Any thoughts on that? I am going with the non-surgical route. Also, any thoughts on the degree of plantar flexion during the first few weeks?

I’m finished, I ruptured mine two weeks ago and everyone around me was telling me I just sprained my ankle but I knew something else was wrong it didn’t heal in the heal raised position it healed in a natural position and now when I do the calf test there’s no movement I guess I need surgery right?

Does anyone have a gap? How long did it take to disappear?

@Treat My Achilles When I do toe raises, I feel a slight popping sensation. Am I starting strengthening exerices too early?

I'm scared because I fell 3 weeks ago and I think I tore my Achilles tendon. I went to a doctor this week and she took x-rays and told me it was fine but I'm having all the symptoms mentioned here (soreness at Achilles, can't push off or stand on toes). The doc was a family practice doctor. What doctor should I go to for a second opinion? Ortho? Podiatrist?

I've heard that ruptures can be overlooked if due to scar tissue covering it up. How do you convince a doctor to examine you then?

I tore my Achilles tendon and it really messed up my knee. My calf muscle took 9 months to heal however it's been 11 months and i still have pain in the inner soft tissue of the knee. Is this normal, can i do anything to help this? Thanks for the great explanation and sharing.

Ruptured my 2 weeks ago. Ruptured in the musclur junction of my calf so it's actually extremely painful some days

Will the patient be able to remove the crutch and support the foot as tolerated, without pain, after 3-4 weeks?

I feel sad after watching this because it almost 3 weeks now and i think i need to scan this for make sure it was a torn tendon or not... I went to see the doctor before and he make me wait and see until 3 weeks... Now im worried about that... Can it be cure without surgery??

It's hard to get a first appt with a physiotherapist in Canada. Alot of demand.

I have had similar pain for more than 4 years now. I play cricket and I think I got it while playing cricket, however my right leg is not always in pain... but I have to take pain killers before playing. My question is.. because its been more than 4 years already.. is my situation bad already or can this be healed?

Had that happen to my calf a couple years ago, the noise… Today sprinting after a volleyball that was miss hit I felt a pop but didn’t hear anything.

How high up can you feel the "pop" if it's an Achilles tear vs a calf muscle tear?

Is there actually no difference in re-injury rate between surgery vs. Non surgery?

I tore my right acheillies tendon two years ago. I still have pain still once in a while. Mine I had stept wrong and it popped loud. My left just did the same

Amazing, very insightful, thanks a million. I have got a questions, I had 5 weeks ago what I think was a partial rupture, and I saw a physitherapist two weeks after the injury, Today I wwent to see a doctor to the hospital, and he said that it was a total rupture. Both opinions are contradictory, how can I know for sure? The physiotherapist told me it was severy, but not a total rupture, but partial.. Whe has been treating me every week. What can I do?

Is it ok to play golf after 2 weeks in a cast and 6 week in a Walker otros? Is it harmfull to start Walking after these 8 weeks?

I can’t stand on my toes(right leg) but I can walk , run sprint and do agility ladder I’m so confused. Got it in October it’s now April

Great video, I wish I saw this the very day I had the rupture. I had it a week ago and they put me in a neutral position. Is it too late to put it in the 20 degree( a bit straight) position?

I suspect I tore my achiles nut not fully. I think I overstretched without warming up. I have pain when I touch up high on the tendon on the outer side and think it feels kinda different. It doesn't hurt to stand flat but hurts to walk and if I try to go on my toes. I'm guessing I should assume it's an achiles tear and stay off it. Thanks for the informative video

Hello. I’m 6 weeks post op and just coming across this video. When I ruptured my achilles , it was misdiagnosed and only 8 days later did we realize what had happened. Prior to that, I had been walking around on the injured leg. My surgeon never complained about how far apart the ends were and he said he was more concerned about it healing long. Now I’m worried and I just want to ask, am I going to heal long?

I recently took Amoxicillin and now have painful tears. This happened before when I was given a x pack when I had Covid. So I can’t take antibiotics. This time it is both my feet. Advice please?

Hi I’m having a partial tear at the Achilles’ tendon insertion that’s already 3 months and I’m still not able to train and run. That’s a big deal ?

'Wish I knew this before. I tore my Achilles and didn't go to the hospital until 10 days later.

Is there a way to find out if the achilles is close to tearing? I'm training for a marathon but feel pain. Kind of confused on how to proceed.

Looking for some ideas until I can get to the doctor. (16F) Anybody have any suggestions? It hurts around the achilles tendon and is occasionally sore to the touch. It hurts after around half a day of working and the pain is in the lower heel and the middle of the tendon, but occasionally I feel it up my leg and once or twice in my butt. Walking is stiff and often painful at first but then it goes away. After a few hours it slowly gets worse and worse pain, building to between a 6 and a 10. I also have hEDS and I'm not a small person (215-ish lb). I've also just come out of a depression so this is sudden and new activity after constant hypersomnia. I have to be on my feet 3-7 hours a day (usually closer to 7). I sit down when I can but its often not an option. This is happening with compression, athletic tape, and insoles. I always ice and I try to do simple stretches when I can remember to. I've been having plantar fasciitis pain that these measures seem to help though. By the end of each day my feet basically cramp up and walking is torture. The side of my foot aches and I'm pretty sure other tendons in my foot are also quite stressed. My feet have equal pain to one another. In addition to this, the outer side of my foot went numb yesterday for a few minutes. I woke up this morning and moving my toes caused stinging sensations underneath them.

How do you check the strength

I suspect I have a partially ruptured achilles. I was playing football and tried to change direction quickly and heard a pop and felt pain in my achilles. I was in pain and it was swollen and bruised for a few days but I didn't get it checked out. It has been about a month now and I'm still experiencing some weakness in my achilles but I am able to do most day-to-day (even some light running) activities with no pain. Should I still go to get checked out?

Why not using joggers as I’ve been using since last three months it’s comfortable

I need advice! My doctor who is a great man but IMO not a very doctor gave me a cam boot for a partial tear/ tendonitis/bursitis. He said I have to wear it for 6 weeks but did not tell me any other protocol. He did not give me crutches. He said I don’t have to wear it in the shower and at night. But what I’m not sure about is how much can I be walking. I’m just so confused. I hear some people got wedges ? I don’t have those in mine? He told me he would not do surgery that he only does that on a full rupture. Which I heard is the best option if you don’t want to re injure it again.

Only option is surgery. Otherwise it won't heal.

Fantastic info. Thank you so much. Very clear and well-delivered too !!!

What is the re-rupture rate with an Achilles rupture? On my path to recovery now and very nervous about the thought of doing it again

Thank you, Maryke. For everyone's learning I will share one extra point about my injury - which may be a risk factor or warning sign for others listening. About 2-3 months preceding my complete left Achilles rupture, I had a similar but much less intense tear in my gastrocnemius (or soleus, I guess, was clinically diagnosed by myself without ultrasound). Both happened playing soccer, both when about to go for an explosive run, both resulted in a pop and feeling of someone kicking me in the calf, both had me limping off the court. The gastrocnemius tear was much higher up, about 3/4 of the way up my calf. There was no swelling, I used crutches for 3-4 days then just walked with a limp for a few weeks, and it was back to normal. No issues with my ankles or Achilles at the time at all. In retrospect, that was the only warning sign I ever had. It was a first for me to have a tear with a pop sensation - I'd previously had issues with annoying strains (particularly in my RIGHT (dominant) quads due to repeated strong shots usually during warm up). I dismissed it as I always do and went straight back to full force soccer, but if I'd known what would come next, I'd have (p)rehabbed and strengthened the hell out of it to avoid this crap.

Incredibly informative. Thank you so much for the depth of very useful information.

I fully ruptured mine 6 days ago so really glad I came across this video. Here in the uk the nhs knew exactly what to do thank god! I was placed in plantaflexion with a temporary cast 3 hours after the tear. 2 days later I had an ultrasound and placed into a full cast and prescribed blood thinners to be administered subcutaneously via injections. After the consultation I had an 8mm tear so surgery wasn’t advised but continued immobilisation for a further week in a cast then that will be replaced with a boot and wedges and as you say, gradually stretched back out over 6-8 weeks. They have continued to prescribe me the daily blood thinners until the boot is removed. I tore mine playing squash and I’m super interested to asses my good side through rehab too as I’ve played the game for 30yrs and never been injured like this before and with no real warning signs it was a bit of a shock. Thanks for the info and I’ll definitely look at your other content around remedial s&c programs for this injury!

Subscribed just becuz this woman is AMAZING! I love learning new things! (Ofcourse my Achilles is torn lol🥺)

Thank you for such valuable information.. My Achilles tendon was torn after taking a few rounds of Cipro for Kidney surgery. Apparently, Cipro and that class of drug makes tendons (especially the achilles) brittle and prone to tearing or rupturing. This happened to me, so beware if you ever take Cipro, or any of the fluoroquinolone class of drug. "Treat My Achilles" is great information on how to relieve the pain and heal the tear/ scar tissue without risky surgery. Thank you!

I’ve had swollen insertion and only walking been less than 3 month but don’t know the strength exercises

Just did this to the letter today. Everything she said was so on point even to the thing when she said about feeling like somebody hit you in the back of your ankle and hearing the pop. I said did somebody step on the back of my foot on the court and when they said no I knew I was in trouble. Now I have to listen to her on how to fix it step by step............. GRIM.

I had a complete rupture a month ago and stupid me only know it recently, in a cast now, ultra sound says 7cm apart, waiting for hospital to give me a date for surgery, am I able to heal from this? Very scared of this now. Thank you.

Awesome video thank you. The information was clear and very easy to understand. Yesterday playing football I felt and heard the snap and I actually thought I'd be kicked in the heal very hard and I got a complete numb heal immediately the pain spread right up to the calf muscle and I could feel there was a soft part where my tendon was supposed to be.im now in a boot toes pointing down and have an appointment Monday next week for a further assessment. As of this minute the only pain I have is an when I move my leg or I go on my crutches. Thanks for all the information and you are Fantastic at explaining when how and why.

I don't no how injured my tendon, woke one day and I had a large ball on the back of my ankle! The pain and swelling comes and gos but I'm concerned that it will tear all together..is this a possibility?

Got both achilles tear. One whole and other 90% first one give no pain for first 2-3 hours. And the other was fuck*** monster pain. ;)

Hello, I would greatly appreciate your expertise and/or quick report for a case. I contacted you on your website. I would greatly appreciate your assistance.

i got this on my left foot i really dont know what happened i only do massage after 7 months i go for check up and the doctor said that is all about rupture tendon you need to go for surgery😔

Thank you so much! I’ve recently mostly likely ruptured one or both mine from Levofloaxin and have no money to go to doctors so all your videos are really helping me. I’m really sad about this and hoping this is manageable. Some people say it’s REALY bad situation and some say it’s not too bad as it can be healed ect. What are your thoughts? Can I live a relivevely normal life with this.

Good info, wish I had found it earlier. I fell off an 18” pool deck and knew by the pain I had injured something, but after a day or two could limp around, and can now walk with tolerable pain and a limp. The pain is to the rear of the ankle, so I probably partially tore the Achilles tendon. Now it may be too late to seek medical treatment.

This shit hurt!! Can’t walk!

I had my achillies tendon in may and i cannot walk normal yet how long does it take

I had this injury, I’m a mailman and I was walking down a flight of stairs, at the bottom step I felt like a rubber band just snapped me in the back of my calf. It wasn’t too sore but I could not put any weight on it. I did have a lot of bruising around my ankle.

Hi Maryke. I’m also 3 weeks in after tearing my Achilles tendon. Doing non surgical treatment. MRI diagnosed a tendonosis in the area. Is it helpful to take a collagen supplement to rebuild the tendon?

Best explanation I've come across. Thank you!

This is a great video. A&E NHS will provide a boot, wedges & injections to thin the blood. Virtual clinic will then confirm care plan with consult in 6 weeeks. I was lucky enough to see specialist and have ultra sound after 3 weeks 2 days but this confirmed 99% follow conservative route & healing had started. I knelt on a chair and Thompson test confirmed connection. The specialist removed one of 4 wedges then and said remove the next 3 days later which I have just done. I started walking around the block this week to - initially tentative but already improving. NHS plan therefore fine with consult after 6 weeks but long road ahead.

Idk if I tore or just heavily stressed my achilles tendon the other day when I went for a 40 mile bike ride up and down mountains... My ankle was swollen for 3 days and today after walking a few miles my achilles tendon has a creaking feeling whenever I try to but some pressure on it... Anyone else experience similar?

I got an Achilles tendon tear last Sunday am in Kenya and I need help.

i could add the use of isotretinoin, for a long period of time (for acne treatment), for tendinopathy . I've tore my achilles under this treatment for 5 years (in Europe, we do isotretinoin low dose for an extended period of time, for really bad acne)

What about partial trars of achilles tendon

I’m a 58 year old woman and short. I was at the grocery store and couldn’t reach an item on the top shelf. I couldn’t find anyone to help. I stepped on the bottom shelf to reach and as I came done quickly, I felt a hard pop. Immediately there was a large indentation on the back of my ankle. It is ruptured definitely. I’m choosing surgery. I don’t want to take a chance of it popping again.

I was put in a regular stabilizing splint then one day later a regular (heavy) boot. My foot was in normal position in the boot not flexed. I'm worried & I'm in my 19th-20th day since my tear which is over 90% torn. I do massage both legs & ice the left daily. Both tendons were sore before my left one popped & tore. I want surgery. I'll know soon after this 2nd opinion appt. Thanx for this very informative video. 🤸😁💃

Excellent video. Thank you. I snapped my Achilles tendon completely two weeks ago after pushing a heavy aircraft into a hangar and had the leg in a cast within five hours. Hopefully that will help speed up the recovery time. I'm now in a Moon boot with wedges. I have looked at a few other videos in this series and they offer some excellent advice.

I suspect that I tore my achilles tendon as well as damaged some nerves on my right leg 3 months ago. I went to the doctor and they said it was nothing and that I would get better soon. Due to a family death, I haven't been able to go to the doctors in the meantime but I will on December 15. I can't walk more than 15 feet without serious pain. Is there still hope for me?

At 14:03 you said your patient HAD to get surgery due to the Achilles ends being apart. Could she have done conservative?

Thanks for this info. Now I’m very concerned about my AQUILE. I keep working insured.