Achilles tendon rupture

What is an Achilles tendon rupture?

The Achilles tendon is a large rope-like band of fibrous tissue that connects the calf muscle to the back of your heel. When your calf muscles contract, the Achilles tendon tightens; it pulls on the heel to make us go on tip toe or pushes us forward when walking or running.

An injury to the Achilles tendon can occur unexpectedly or during sudden calf muscle activity, such as running or sprinting.

When the rupture occurs, it is often described as if you have been hit or kicked in your calf causing sudden pain.

You will not be able to move your foot upwards and your movements will feel uncontrolled..

   

Your Achilles injury will have been treated with either a walking boot with wedges or a plaster cast with your toes pointing to the floor

 

An ultrasound scan will be requested to examine the extent of the injury and you will be offered an appointment in the fracture clinic with the consultant to discuss treatment for this injury

You should:

  • Keep your appointment in the fracture clinic.
  • Wear the boot day and night, only removing it for hygiene purposes, making sure that your foot does not touch the floor.

You should not:

  • Drive whilst wearing the walking boot or plaster cast

Please remember:

Please contact your GP if your condition is not improving, or if your pain relief is not adequate.

 

PROTOCOL FOR ACHILLES TENDON RUPTURE

Conservative treatment

First visit

  • Seen by consultant/ fellow/ registrar in a fracture clinic.

Normally 1-2 weeks post injury.

Discuss operative and non-operative alternatives for treatment.

  • Place in a weight bearing boot with 3-4 wedges for comfort.

Four weeks post injury

  • Advise removal of wedges one per week.

Can remove top or bottom wedge as per patients comfort.

  • Review skin integrity.
  • Discuss with Mr Robinson if required/concerned.
  • Give OPA for 8 weeks post injury to see Jeanette on a fracture clinic.

Eight weeks post surgery

  • Assess Achilles tendon integrity.
  • Review skin integrity.
  • Advised to wean out of boot as per patients comfort.
  • Discharge via physiotherapy
    • Rehabilitation

Linear running at 4 months post injury

Full sports at 6 months post Injury