Achilles Tendon Rupture Symptoms

An Achilles tendon injury, including a rupture, tear, or tendonitis, can cause significant pain and impact mobility. The Achilles tendon, located at the back of the lower leg, connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Injuries to this tendon are common in athletes, especially those who engage in running, jumping, or sudden directional changes. The symptoms of a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon can vary based on the severity of the injury, with some symptoms being immediately noticeable while others develop over time.

Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Rupture

• Sudden Sharp Pain: One of the hallmark symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture is a sudden, sharp pain in the back of the ankle or lower leg, often described as feeling like a “kick” or “pop” in the calf.
• Inability to Push Off: Individuals with a ruptured Achilles tendon may find it difficult or impossible to push off their foot when walking or running. This is due to the loss of tendon function, which is essential for activities that require ankle movement.
• Visible Deformity: In some cases of a severe rupture, a visible deformity may be noticeable, such as a bulge or gap in the tendon. This occurs because the torn tendon may retract upwards in the leg, causing a prominent gap in the affected area.
• Swelling and Bruising: There may be significant swelling and bruising around the ankle, especially in the first 24-48 hours after the injury.
• Difficulty Walking: Due to pain and weakness, walking, especially on the toes, becomes difficult. Some people report feeling like their ankle is “locked” or unable to move properly.

Symptoms of a Torn Achilles Tendon

A torn Achilles tendon can be categorized as either a partial tear or a complete rupture. Symptoms for both types include:

• Pain at the Heel: Pain at the back of the heel or just above it is common. The pain is typically more localized and can be worse during physical activity.
• Reduced Strength: A torn Achilles tendon significantly impacts the strength of the calf muscles and limits range of motion in the ankle. A person may find it hard to walk or stand on their toes.
• Tenderness and Swelling: The area where the tendon is torn may be tender to the touch and swollen, indicating inflammation and tissue damage.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis refers to inflammation of the tendon, often caused by overuse or repetitive motion. The symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:

• Pain and Stiffness: Pain usually occurs in the morning or after long periods of inactivity and can worsen with exercise, especially activities like running or jumping.
• Swelling and Redness: Mild swelling and redness around the tendon may be visible, though it is less pronounced compared to a rupture.
• Tenderness: The affected area is typically tender to the touch, especially along the tendon’s length, and it can hurt more when pressure is applied or during movement.

Symptoms of Partial Achilles Tendon Tear

A partial Achilles tendon tear occurs when only a portion of the tendon is torn. Symptoms of a partial tear may include:

• Pain During Movement: A partial tear often results in pain during physical activity, especially with activities that involve running or jumping.
• Weakness and Reduced Mobility: While not as severe as a complete rupture, a partial tear can still limit mobility and strength in the ankle, leading to difficulty with normal movements.
• Swelling and Bruising: Like a full tear, there may be mild to moderate swelling and bruising, depending on the extent of the injury.

Other Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Injury

• Instability: Injuries to the Achilles tendon, whether full or partial, can lead to a feeling of instability in the ankle. Patients may have difficulty walking normally or performing high-intensity activities.
• Persistent Pain: Persistent, nagging pain is common, especially with repetitive activities. This pain can occur during exercise or after activities that place strain on the tendon.

Curapod Can Assist in Achilles Tendon Injury Management

Curapod, a device that uses electrical stimulation, can be incredibly helpful in the management and recovery from Achilles tendon injuries. Here’s how Curapod can play a role in healing:

• Pain Relief: Curapod helps reduce pain from an Achilles tendon injury by providing electrical stimulation that blocks pain signals and stimulates the release of natural painkillers (endorphins). This makes it a valuable tool for both acute pain following an injury and chronic pain due to conditions like Achilles tendonitis.
• Muscle Relaxation: Muscle tightness and spasms are common symptoms following an Achilles tendon injury. Curapod helps relax the muscles, reducing discomfort and allowing for greater mobility during the recovery phase.
• Enhanced Healing: The electrical impulses from Curapod stimulate blood flow to the affected area, improving circulation and delivering oxygen and nutrients to the injured tendon. This enhanced circulation helps accelerate the healing process by promoting tissue regeneration.
• Complementary to Physical Therapy: Curapod can be used in conjunction with physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility in the Achilles tendon, as well as to reduce pain and swelling during rehabilitation.

References (Cardiff Harvard Style)

1. Mayo Clinic, 2025. Achilles Tendon Rupture: Symptoms and Causes. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/achilles-tendon-rupture/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20359472 [Accessed 28 February 2025].
2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), 2025. Achilles Tendon Injury: Symptoms and Treatment. Available at: https://www.aaos.org/diseases–conditions/achilles-tendon-injury/ [Accessed 28 February 2025].
3. Spine-Health, 2025. Achilles Tendon Injury Symptoms and Treatment. Available at: https://www.spine-health.com/conditions/foot-ankle/achilles-tendon-injury [Accessed 28 February 2025].