Skip to main content

Achilles tendon tear

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. A badly torn Achilles tendon causes pain and sudden loss of strength and movement. Sometimes this is called a rupture.

An Achilles tear is most often caused by a sudden, forceful motion that stresses the calf muscle. This can happen during intense sports activity or even during simple running or jumping. Middle-aged adults are more likely to get this kind of injury.

A tendon that is badly or completely torn is most often treated with surgery. Sometimes a tear may be treated with a cast, splint, brace, or other device that keeps the lower leg from moving.

 
 

PeaceHealth endeavors to provide comprehensive health care information, however some topics in this database describe services and procedures not offered by our providers or within our facilities because they do not comply with, nor are they condoned by, the ethics policies of our organization.