Achilles Tendon Rupture
On this page
- What has happened?
- What should I expect?
- What should I do?
- What should I not do?
- Will I be followed up?
- What if I have concerns/questions?
What has happened?
- You have injured (torn/ruptured) your Achilles tendon - this is a cord like structure that runs down the calf and attaches to the ankle. This is a common injury, and many of these are managed without surgery
What should I expect?
- You will have been placed in a cast or special shoe (moon boot) by ED staff
- Your calf and ankle may be painful and swollen
- You may develop bruising that goes into your feet and toes - this is common
- You will be in a cast or moon boot for approximately 2 months
- Recovery time is approximately 3+ months
What should I do?
- Take simple pain relief (e.g. paracetamol and ibuprofen) as required
- You will need crutches to help you move
- If given a cast, keep it dry at all times by covering it with a plastic bag and securing it with tape before showering - a wet cast will get soggy and fall apart
- Keep moving your toes
- Elevate your foot on a chair or cushions while sitting down - this will help with swelling and pain
- Book an appointment to see a physiotherapist to help with rehabilitation - remember to take your ACC form/number with you
What should I not do?
- You will be unable to drive with this injury
- You should not put weight on the leg that you have injured
- Try to reduce or stop smoking as this may delay healing
Will I be followed up?
- Yes, a follow-up appointment in the Orthopaedic Clinic will be requested when you leave ED and you will be contacted regarding a date and time
What if I have concerns/questions?
- If you have any ongoing problems, you should discuss this first with your GP - take your ACC form/number with you