Although it`s possible to have no signs or symptoms with an Achilles tendon rupture, most people experience:
- Pain, possibly severe, and swelling near your heel
- An inability to bend your foot downward or "push off" the injured leg when you walk
- An inability to stand on your toes on the injured leg
- A popping or snapping sound when the injury occurs
When to see your doctor?
Seek medical advice immediately if you feel a pop or snap in your heel, especially if you can`t walk properly afterward.
Your Achilles tendon helps you point your foot downward, rise on your toes and push off your foot as you walk. You rely on it virtually every time you move your foot.Rupture usually occurs in the section of the tendon located within 2 1/2 inches (about 6 centimeters) of the point where it attaches to the heel bone. This section may be predisposed to rupture because it gets less blood flow, which also may impair its ability to heal.Ruptures often are caused by a sudden increase in the amount of stress on your Achilles tendon.
Common examples include:
- Increasing the intensity of sports participation, especially in sports that involve jumping
- Falling from a height Stepping into a hole
Factors that may increase your risk of Achilles tendon rupture include:
- Age - The peak age for Achilles tendon rupture is 30 to 40.
- Sex - Achilles tendon rupture is up to five times more likely to occur in men than in women.
- Recreational sports - Achilles tendon injuries occur more often during sports that involve running, jumping, and sudden starts and stops — such as soccer, basketball and tennis.
- Steroid injections - Doctors sometimes inject steroids into an ankle joint to reduce pain and inflammation.
However, this medication can weaken nearby tendons and has been associated with Achilles tendon ruptures. Certain antibiotics. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or levofloxacin (Levaquin), increase the risk of Achilles tendon rupture.
