What is an Achilles tendon rupture?

The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue which runs down the back of your lower leg and connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. This tendon helps you point your foot downward, rise on your toes and push off your foot while walking. When the Achilles tendon is overstretched, it can result in a complete or partial tear. The rupture usually occurs in the middle of the tendon where there is often degenerative change and relatively poor blood supply. Treatment is dependent on your age, severity of the injury, your health status and activity level. Younger and more active people, especially athletes, tend to opt for surgery to repair a completely ruptured Achilles tendon, whereas, older people usually prefer non-surgical treatment.

You should seek medical advice immediately if you hear a pop in your heel, especially if you have difficulty walking afterwards.