Is There a Difference Between a Ruptured Achilles vs. A Torn Achilles?
It’s a sound no one likes to hear: the dreaded “pop” followed by intense pain, usually in the heel or ankle. It may even feel like you’ve been kicked in the calf.
If this is your experience, it’s possible that you’ve severely injured your Achilles tendon. Not sure if you have a ruptured Achilles vs. a torn Achilles? We’ll explore whether or not there’s a difference.
Our main concern is addressing the pain and problems presented by the injury. We want to try conservative approaches first, but if your tear is severe, you may need surgery. You can rest assured that we will take time to answer all your questions about your injury and recovery.
A Ruptured Achilles vs. a Torn Achilles: Is There a Difference?
Essentially, a ruptured Achilles is a torn Achilles. Typically, “rupture” is used to describe when the tendon is completely severed, while “torn” may refer to a partial or complete tear. The difference is subtle, and you may often hear these terms used interchangeably.
Where is My Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon runs along your heel and the back of your calf. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Did you know it is the strongest tendon in your body? It enables you to climb stairs, as well as jump and walk. An injury to the Achilles tendon means you’ll have difficulty walking, especially when going up an incline.
What Does an Achilles Tendon Rupture/Tear Feel Like?
If the injury is mild, it’s possible that you could have no signs or symptoms. We’ve already mentioned the telltale “pop” noise and feeling like you’ve been kicked in the calf as signs of an Achilles tendon rupture/tear.
While everyone experiences pain differently, most of our patients report that the rupture feels like:
- Severe pain, usually near the calf or heel
- Discomfort when walking
- Soreness from swelling and bruising on the back of the ankle
The severity of the injury and ruptured Achilles vs. a torn Achilles determines whether or not surgery is needed.
How Long Is My Ruptured Achilles Tendon Recovery Time?
This varies from patient to patient, and it depends upon the extent of your injury and whether or not surgery is needed. If you need surgery, recovery time can take as long as six to twelve weeks in a walking boot.
We go into more detail in our earlier blog article, “How To Fully Recover From an Achilles Tendon Injury.”
How to Prevent an Achilles Injury
Our orthopedic surgeons aren’t only experts in treating your injuries; we’re also well-versed in helping you learn techniques on how to avoid them.
No one wants to experience the pain and limited mobility associated with an Achilles tendon injury. Therefore, our board-certified orthopedic physicians in Raleigh recommend:
- Taking time to warm up before working out
- Strengthen and stretch your calf muscles—but don’t stretch to the point you feel pain. Our physical therapists can help you with calf-strengthening exercises.
- Alternating high-impact with low-impact sports
- Avoiding slick surfaces–especially when running
- Wearing athletic shoes with enough cushioning in the heel.
- Slowly increasing intensity training; don’t rush the process
We Can Provide Relief for Your Achilles Tendon Injury at Raleigh Bone Joint Surgery Clinic
For more than 50 years, our board-certified orthopedic physicians have been serving Raleigh and the Triangle area, providing the benefits of an independent practice with access to five hospitals and medical centers.
If you believe you’ve injured your Achilles tendon, don’t wait–delay can make the issue worse and cause complications.
Simply request an appointment today. We would consider it a privilege to serve you.
The content within this article and others on this website is only for educational purposes and should not be considered as medical advice. For any questions or concerns, please consult with your healthcare provider.
