Understanding Achilles rupture: Causes, symptoms and treatment

Your Achilles tendon is a thick tendon in the back of your lower leg that attaches your calf muscle to your heel bone. This tendon is what helps you run, walk and jump. 

The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body, but it is also the one that gets torn the most often. When walking, jumping or turning, your Achilles stretch to help you move. If you trip, stumble or play a sport with sudden stops and pivots, the Achilles can tear from the sudden movement or pressure.  

A partial or full tear of the tendon is called an Achilles rupture. Many people say they feel an Achilles tear like a sudden pop. Then, they get bruising, swelling or a difference in how the tendons on each leg look. Athletes and people who play sports for fun are more likely to get an Achilles tendon tear, but it can also happen to people who do not play sports. 

Not all injuries that affect the Achilles tendon are ruptures. Other problems that can hurt the Achilles tendon include strains, swelling, or weakness. The treatment for an Achilles injury depends on the type of injury. For a torn Achilles tendon, you might need a foot brace, a cast, surgery or physical therapy.  

At Optum, our orthopedic team can diagnose and treat a variety of activity-related injuries, including injuries involving the Achilles. Additionally, our orthopedic surgeons are trained in advanced non-surgical and surgical methods for full or partial tears of the Achilles tendon, depending on your health needs. 

Sources:

1. NIH: Naitonal Library of Medicine. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Achilles Tendon. Last updated August 8, 2023. Last reviewed July 1, 2025.
2. NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases. Sports Injuries: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Steps to Take. Last updated September 2024. Last reviewed July 1, 2025.
3. OrthoInfo. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Achilles Tendon Rupture (Tear). Last updated July 2024. Last reviewed July 1, 2025.