toggle mobile menu Menu
toggle search menu

Site Navigation

Supplemental

Menu

Achilles tendon tear

Achilles tendon tear

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. A badly torn Achilles tendon causes pain and sudden loss of strength and movement. Sometimes this is called a rupture.

An Achilles tear is most often caused by a sudden, forceful motion that stresses the calf muscle. This can happen during intense sports activity or even during simple running or jumping. Middle-aged adults are more likely to get this kind of injury.

A tendon that is badly or completely torn is most often treated with surgery. Sometimes a tear may be treated with a cast, splint, brace, or other device that keeps the lower leg from moving.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Healthwise is a URAC accredited health web site content provider. Privacy Policy. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

© 1995- Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.