Achilles ruptures typically happen in sports where pivoting and twisting occur like in soccer or basketball.

The athlete may describe the injury as if they felt a pop or like they were kicked and then when asked to flex the ankle (plantar flexion), pushing the ankle down they cannot do so.

There are two basic treatments available for ruptured Achilles Tendon: surgical and non-surgical. The decision is between the athlete and the physician, either way physical therapy and post-physical therapy will play a major role in the recovery process.

The main goals in physical therapy will be to restore range of motion as well as rebuild strength.

Post-physical therapy can begin between 3-4 months post-op. Functional activities such as figure 8 running, zig-zags, as well as single leg calf raises and single leg strength exercises begin to progress into full activity, agility drills, and plyometrics.

Pivoting sports such golf, tennis, or racquet sports can begin at six months but advise that recovery can take up to a full year.

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