Achilles Rupture

Achilles Rupture

Book Your Session Today
Check Out Our London Physio Hub

Award-Winning Achilles Rupture Physio Near You

london physiotherapy Physiotherapy in London Physiotherapy in London

Use Your Private Health Insurance To Cover Your Achilles Rupture Physio Session Costs

Unlock your physio benefits here

cigna wpa bupa private health insurance physio london Physiotherapy in London Physiotherapy in London
axa healix aviva private health insurance physio london Physiotherapy in London Physiotherapy in London

What is Achilles Rupture?

An Achilles tendon rupture is a severe injury where the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone tears, often during sports or a sudden, forceful movement. This is the most commonly ruptured tendon in the body, and it can significantly impact physical activity, requiring careful management and often surgical intervention.

Achilles Rupture Statistics

  • Achilles tendon ruptures occur in about 18 per 100,000 individuals annually.
  • The highest incidence is in males aged 30-50 years.
  • Over 70% of Achilles tendon ruptures occur during recreational sports activities.
    • Source: American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

    Achilles Rupture Anatomy

  • Achilles Tendon: The strongest tendon in the body, crucial for walking, running, and jumping.
  • Rupture Site: Most commonly occurs in the mid-portion of the tendon, where blood supply is weakest.
  • Tendon Function: Facilitates plantar flexion of the foot, enabling push-off during walking and running.
  • Surrounding Muscles: Calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) contribute to the Achilles tendon’s movement and strength.

    • Achilles Rupture
    Signs & Symptoms

  • Sudden Sharp Pain: A sudden, sharp pain in the back of the ankle or calf, often described as a "pop."
  • Inability to Push Off: Difficulty or inability to push off the affected foot when walking.
  • Swelling: Swelling around the ankle or lower leg.
  • Gap Above Heel: A visible or palpable gap where the tendon has ruptured.

    • Causes of Achilles Rupture

  • Sudden Forceful Movements: Quick direction changes or explosive actions in sports.
  • Previous Tendinopathy: Chronic Achilles tendon issues weaken the tendon, increasing rupture risk.
  • Use of Steroids: Corticosteroid injections can weaken the tendon.
  • Aging: Tendon degeneration increases the risk of rupture.

    • Risk Factors for Achilles Rupture

  • Sports Participation: High-impact sports such as basketball, soccer, and tennis.
  • Age: More common in individuals aged 30-50.
  • Gender: Males are more likely to experience an Achilles rupture.
  • Previous Tendinopathy: Chronic Achilles tendinopathy weakens the tendon.
  • Use of Corticosteroids: Steroid injections around the tendon may weaken it.

    • Trusted by Londoners for Achilles Rupture physiotherapy

    From Achilles Rupture to full ACL reconstruction rehabilitation; we’ve got you covered.

    Get a precise diagnosis, treatment plan, and expert sessions for instant pain relief.

    Achilles Rupture Physio

    Prevalence of Achilles Rupture

  • Achilles tendon ruptures occur in approximately 18 per 100,000 individuals annually.
  • The highest incidence is observed in males aged 30-50 years.
  • Over 70% of Achilles tendon ruptures happen during recreational sports activities.

    • Assessment & Diagnosis of Achilles Rupture

  • Thompson Test: Squeezing the calf muscle while the patient lies prone to check for plantar flexion, indicating a possible rupture.
  • Physical Examination: Observing for a palpable gap above the heel and testing the range of motion.
  • Ultrasound: Used to confirm the rupture and assess the extent of the injury.
  • MRI Scan: Provides detailed imaging to evaluate the severity of the rupture and plan treatment.

    • Rehabilitation & Physiotherapy for Achilles Rupture

  • Rehabilitation Exercises: Gradual strengthening and flexibility exercises tailored to the stage of recovery.
  • Weight-Bearing Progression: Controlled progression from non-weight-bearing to full weight-bearing to facilitate tendon healing.
  • Range of Motion Exercises: Exercises to restore full motion of the ankle and prevent stiffness.
  • Gait Training: Techniques to normalize walking patterns and prevent compensatory issues.

    • Book your London physio session today with one of our Achilles Rupture specialists

    BOOK ONLINE TODAY
    london physio Physiotherapy in London Physiotherapy in London

    100% NO-RISK SERVICE GUARANTEE

    If you’re unhappy, your next session is free.

    Achilles Rupture FAQs

    The symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture include a sudden sharp pain in the back of the ankle or calf, often described as a "pop," followed by difficulty walking, swelling, and sometimes a visible gap above the heel where the tendon has torn.

    Treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture can involve surgical repair or conservative management with a cast or brace. Physiotherapy is essential post-treatment to restore strength and flexibility.

    Recovery from an Achilles tendon rupture typically takes 6 to 12 months. The recovery period includes initial immobilization, followed by physiotherapy to regain full function and strength.

    Achilles Rupture References

    • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). "Achilles Tendon Rupture." AAOS, 2016. Link
    • Soroceanu, A., et al. "Surgical Versus Nonsurgical Treatment of Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture." JAMA, vol. 308, no. 23, 2012, pp. 2439-2445.
    • Metzl, J. D., et al. "Achilles Tendon Ruptures." Sports Medicine, vol. 28, no. 2, 1999, pp. 87-100.

    You Are In Good Hands

    Trusted by 20,000+ Londoners. Recognised by leading health and professional bodies. Registered with all major health insurance providers.

    London physiotherapy HCPC registration Physiotherapy in London
    • Aldgate Physiotherapy
    • c/o Movement Labs East,
      78 Alie Street,
      London, E1 8PZ
      United Kingdom
    • Mon-Fri: 8am-8.30pm
      Sat+Sun: 9am-4pm
    • Farringdon Physiotherapy
    • c/o One Avenue Group,
      16 St John's Lane,
      London, EC1M 4BS
      United Kingdom
    • Mon-Fri: 8am-6.30pm
      Sat+Sun: CLOSED
    • Mayfair Physiotherapy
    • c/o Signature by Regus - London Berkeley Square,
      2nd Floor, Berkeley Square House,
      Berkeley Square, London, W1J 6BD
    • Mon-Fri: 8am-8.30pm
      Sat+Sun: CLOSED
    Health insurance london physiotherapy Physiotherapy in London
    london physio health insurance Physiotherapy in London
    london physiotherapy payments Physiotherapy in London
    One Body LDN Physiotherapy Physiotherapy in London

    Physiotherapy

    Sports Massage

    Osteopathy

    Resources

    Symptoms

    AREAS WE TREAT

    Private Health Insurance

    Facebook | Instagram | Twitter/X | YouTube | LinkedIn | Pinterest | TikTok

    © 2024 One Body LDN | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Terms + Conditions | Glossary | Sitemap | London, UK | Physiotherapy London Directory | Sports Massage London Directory