Achilles tendon rupture is a sudden onset injury resulting in rupture of the Achilles tendon and a loss of the connection between the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the calcaneum

Risk factors:

• Sports that stress the Achilles (e.g., basketball, tennis and track athletics)
• Increasing age
• Existing Achilles tendinopathy
• Family history
• Fluoroquinolone antibiotics - rupture can occur spontaneously within 48 hours of Tx
• Systemic steroids

PC

• Sudden onset of pain in the achilles or calf
• A snapping sound and sensation
• Feels as though something has hit them in the back of the leg

*Often no prior warning signs of achilles Sx

On examination:

• When dangled, ankle is more dorsiflexed
• Tenderness
• Palpable gap in tendon (swelling may hide this)
• Weakness in plantar flexion