The Achilles tendon, also known as the calcaneal tendon, is the thickest and strongest tendon in the human body. Located at the back of the lower leg, it connects the large calf muscles—the gastrocnemius and soleus—to the calcaneus, or heel bone. This robust structure plays a fundamental role in everyday mobility, enabling essential movements like walking, running, and jumping by allowing the foot to push off the ground.
The Immediate Aftermath of an Achilles Tear
An Achilles tendon tear often presents with immediate and noticeable symptoms, making walking very difficult or even impossible. Many individuals report hearing a distinct “pop” or snapping sound at the moment of injury. This sensation is followed by sudden, sharp pain in the back of the ankle or lower leg. Swelling and bruising around the heel and ankle area can also develop quickly.
With a complete rupture, the connection between the calf muscles and the heel bone is broken, severely impairing the ability to push off the foot. This means a person may find it impossible to stand on their toes on the injured leg or bend the foot downward effectively. While some limited forward movement might be possible, it will involve a flat-footed gait and be accompanied by significant discomfort and instability. Even with a partial tear, walking becomes compromised, often causing pain and a noticeable limp.
Why Walking is Not Recommended
Attempting to walk on a torn Achilles tendon is ill-advised due to the significant risks it poses to the injury and the overall healing process. The Achilles tendon is primarily responsible for plantarflexion, the action of pointing the foot downward, which is important for propulsion during walking. When this tendon is torn, its ability to transmit force from the calf muscles to the heel bone is severely diminished or lost, making stable and effective walking highly compromised.
Continuing to bear weight and walk on an injured Achilles tendon can worsen the initial tear, potentially converting a partial tear into a complete rupture. This continued stress can also delay the natural healing process, as the torn ends of the tendon are prevented from remaining in close proximity, which is necessary for repair. Increased pain, further damage to surrounding tissues, and potential complications for any future surgical repair are also significant concerns. The instability caused by a compromised Achilles tendon also increases the risk of falls and additional injuries, making immediate rest and protection important.
What to Do If You Suspect a Tear
If an Achilles tendon tear is suspected, immediate action is important to minimize further injury and facilitate accurate diagnosis. The injured individual should stop all activity immediately to protect the affected leg from additional strain. Applying the RICE method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation—can help manage initial symptoms. This involves resting the injured leg, applying ice packs to the affected area for about 10 minutes hourly to reduce pain and swelling, gently compressing the ankle with an elastic bandage, and elevating the leg above heart level to further ease swelling.
Seeking prompt medical attention from a doctor or an emergency room is important for proper evaluation and diagnosis. A healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination, checking the ability to move the foot and feeling for any gap in the tendon. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or MRI, may also be used to determine the extent of the tear. Delaying medical assessment can lead to improper healing, which might result in long-term weakness and reduced function in the ankle and foot.