The Rehab Process for a Ruptured Achilles Tendon

A ruptured achilles tendon is one of the most disruptive injuries for athletes.  It takes months of recovery to get back to playing normally.  The rehab process during those months determines how well you heal and whether you are able to get back on the field without any issues.

Poor or insufficient rehabilitation can slow down recovery, leave you with persistent issues like pain and muscle weakness, or increase the risk of another rupture or injury in the future.

At Ace Sports Clinic Malvern, we’ve helped many athletes with ruptured achilles tendons recover using our holistic physio and osteopathy collaborative approach.  Here’s everything you need to know about rehab for an achilles tendon rupture.

What’s a Ruptured Achilles Tendon?

The achilles tendon runs down the back of your leg, starting from the calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus).  It is the thickest and strongest tendon in your body, allowing it to withstand a tremendous amount of force when you walk, run, or jump.

But it has a major weak point.  Located slightly above the heel, there’s a particular part of the achilles tendon that receives poor blood flow, which doesn’t heal quickly from micro-tears caused by frequent playing and exercise.

This makes it more likely to tear or completely snap (a full rupture) when it is overstretched.  Especially if the tendon is already weakened or suffering from Achilles Tendinosis.  Complete rupture can happen during explosive and sudden movements such as pivoting, leaping forward from a stationary position, or jumping.

The achilles tendon is especially vulnerable when you jump or lunge while standing on the balls of your feet.  In this position, the tendon has contracted and cannot handle the sudden stretching & excessive force.  This happens a lot in basketball, which is the sport with the highest rate of achilles tendon ruptures.

Sign and Symptoms of a Ruptured Achilles Tendon

A ruptured achilles tendon causes immediate and severe pain and you might hear a ‘pop’ at the back of your heel.  The affected foot can’t bear your weight, which is why players who experience a rupture usually have to be stretchered off the field.

If it’s a partial tear, you may still be able to walk, but with a lot of pain, especially when going uphill or using the stairs.

You may also notice a gap at the back of your foot where the tendon has separated.  Feeling for this gap is actually one of the ways a sports physio diagnoses a ruptured achilles tendon.

Ruptured Achilles Tendon Rehabilitation and Recovery

The exact rehabilitation process varies depending on the severity of the injury.  The first step is to have a physio or sports doctor examine & diagnose the injury and decide whether orthopaedic surgery is required.  

But generally, the first couple of weeks involve immobilisation of the affected foot using a splint or cast to help the achilles tendon to start healing.  Keeping your foot elevated helps reduce swelling and pain.

After around two weeks, your Ace Physio may recommend starting light physical therapy.  As the weeks progress and your foot can bear weight, physio becomes more intense to ensure your muscles are getting stronger.  

After 3-6 months, you may be able to do low-impact exercises like swimming or stationary cycling to prepare your achilles tendon for higher-impact exercises.

In 6-9 months, many athletes are ready for advanced strengthening activities like jumping and running and may be able to get back to playing, though for shorter periods and at a lower intensity.  Most players are cleared to resume full playing by 12 months.

But keep in mind your timeline might be different depending on your injury, surgery and rehabilitation.  The most important thing is to ensure you’re getting sufficient rehabilitation & ongoing guidance and care.  It’s important for:

• Speeding up healing by improving blood flow.  This is even more important if you undergo surgery.
• Re-strengthening the achilles tendon & surrounding muscles so you’re able to go back to playing normally after recovery.
• Maintaining the flexibility of the foot.  Poor rehabilitation can lead to the formation of scar tissue, which can restrict movement.
• Reducing the risk of future rupture or other injuries.

Tailored Treatment for Ruptured Achilles Tendon

At Ace, we tailor our treatment to your injury and rehabilitative needs.  Our Ace Certified Practitioners work together to get to the root of the problem and offer holistic treatment that helps you recover fully and more quickly, while reducing the risk of re-injury.

If you have a ruptured or torn achilles tendon or keep getting achilles injuries like achilles tendinopathy, give us a call at 03 9824 8001 today to get your tailored client care plan.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified professional for personalised guidance based on your specific needs and circumstances.