HealthInfo Waitaha Canterbury
Achilles tendon rupture first aid
Whakarauoratanga whatinga iohere punga
Your Achilles tendons are the largest tendons in your body. They attach your calf muscles to your heel bones.
Sometimes an Achilles tendon can break (rupture). This is usually caused by a high force or impact, such as moving quickly from a standstill. It can happen most often in sports such as football, running, basketball and tennis.
How to tell if someone has ruptured an Achilles tendon
When someone ruptures an Achilles tendon they may:
- hear a snap, crack or pop
- feel a sharp sudden pain in the back of their leg and heel or ankle
- have difficulty moving their foot or walking
- be unable to stand on their tiptoes or push off with their foot when walking
- have swelling, tenderness and warmth in their Achilles tendon.
Helping someone who has ruptured an Achilles tendon
- Apply an ice pack for 10 to 20 minutes. Do not apply the ice directly to their skin. Instead, wrap it in a damp cloth.
- Sit or lie them down in a comfortable position and raise the affected leg above the level of their heart.
- Provide simple over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol. Follow the directions on the package.
- Encourage them not to put any weight on their leg or walk on it.
- Take them to their general practice team or an after-hours doctor. A physiotherapist or podiatrist will also be able to refer them to a specialist.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed December 2022.
Sources
Review key: HIFAD-141030
