The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. Despite its strength, it can partially or completely tear from sudden stress, causing sharp pain, swelling, and trouble walking or pushing off your toes. An Achilles tendon tear can happen to anyone — not just athletes — and prompt evaluation makes a real difference in how well it heals.
Every step you take relies on the Achilles tendon to transfer force from your calf muscles down to your heel and forefoot. Because it works so hard and has a limited blood supply in certain areas, it's also one of the more vulnerable structures in the lower leg. Below, our podiatrists explain what causes an Achilles tear, how to recognize one, and the treatment options that can get you back on your feet.
What is an Achilles tendon tear?
An Achilles tendon tear is a partial or complete disruption of the tendon fibers that connect the calf muscles to the heel bone. A partial tear leaves some fibers intact, while a complete rupture separates the tendon entirely, often with a noticeable gap you can feel above the heel. Either injury causes pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight, and both benefit from timely care.
Who is at risk for an Achilles tendon tear?
This is not just an athlete's injury. While sudden, forceful movements common in sports like basketball, tennis, and running are a frequent cause, an Achilles tear can happen to anyone during everyday activities — an awkward step off a curb, a stumble on uneven ground, or an unexpected jump. Because the tendon has areas of limited blood flow, it can also become more brittle and injury-prone with age or after periods of inactivity.
What causes an Achilles tendon tear?
The tendon tears when it is stressed beyond what it can handle, usually from a sudden, forceful load rather than gradual wear. Common triggers include:
- Sudden, forceful pushing off, pivoting, or jumping during sports
- A fall or misstep, such as stepping into a hole or off a curb
- Landing awkwardly from a jump or fast start-and-stop movement
- Pre-existing Achilles tendonitis that has weakened the tendon over time
- Reduced blood supply to the tendon, which can complicate both the injury and healing
What are the symptoms of an Achilles tendon tear?
Many people describe hearing or feeling a snap or pop at the moment of injury, followed by sudden pain near the heel. Other common symptoms include:
- Sharp pain near the back of the heel or lower calf
- A snapping or popping sound at the time of injury
- Swelling around the heel and lower leg
- Difficulty or inability to walk normally
- Inability to stand on your toes or push off the affected foot
- Inability to point your toes downward
If you experience these symptoms, avoid putting weight on the foot and seek evaluation as soon as possible.
How is an Achilles tendon tear diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically starts with a physical examination, including the calf squeeze test — your provider gently squeezes the calf muscle and watches for the normal reflex movement of the foot. In a complete rupture, the foot will not move the way it should. Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the extent of the tear and guide treatment planning.
How is an Achilles tendon tear treated?
Non-surgical treatment
Smaller partial tears, or complete tears in patients who are not good surgical candidates, are often managed non-surgically with:
- Anti-inflammatory medication to reduce pain and swelling
- Rest, elevation, and compression
- Ice therapy in the initial days after injury
- Crutches or a walking boot to offload the tendon while it heals
- A structured physical therapy program to gradually restore strength and range of motion
Surgical treatment
Complete ruptures, especially in active patients, often heal more reliably with surgical repair, in which the torn ends of the tendon are stitched back together. Surgery is followed by a period of immobilization and a progressive physical therapy program to rebuild strength and flexibility before returning to full activity.
Why prompt evaluation matters
An Achilles tendon tear does not improve on its own, and delaying care can make the tendon ends retract further apart, complicating repair and lengthening recovery. If you hear a pop, feel sudden heel or calf pain, or cannot push off your toes, avoid weight-bearing and request an appointment right away.
Medically reviewed by the physicians at Wasatch Foot & Ankle Institute. Our board-certified, fellowship-trained podiatrists provide foot and ankle care in Farmington and South Ogden, Utah. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.