• Stress from a sudden stretching of the tendon. For example, this may occur when you land from a jump or when your heel drops down into a hole on uneven ground.

• A hard, direct hit to the tendon.

• Pushing off your foot forcefully, such as when sprinting, jumping, or changing direction while running.

• Are a runner.

• Play sports that involve sprinting, running, or jumping.

• Play contact sports.

• Have a weak Achilles tendon. Tendons can weaken from aging, repeat injuries, and chronic tendinitis.

• Are male.

• Are 30–55 years of age.

• Take a type of antibiotic medicine called quinolones.

• Hearing a noise, like a pop or a snap, at the time of injury.

• Severe, sudden pain in the back of the ankle.

• Swelling and bruising.

• Inability to actively point your toes down.

• Pain when standing or walking.

• A feeling of reduced strength when you step on the affected foot.

• Ultrasound.

• X-rays.

• MRI.

• Rest.

• Ice applied to the area.

• Pain medicine.

• Crutches.

• A cast, splint, or other device to keep the ankle from moving (immobilized).

• Heel wedges to reduce the stretch on your tendon as it heals.

• Surgery. This option may depend on your age and your activity level.

Medicines

• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.

• Ask your health care provider if the medicine prescribed to you:

  • Requires you to avoid driving or using heavy machinery.

  • Can cause constipation. You may need to take these actions to prevent or treat constipation:

    • Drink enough fluid to keep your urine pale yellow.

    • Take over-the-counter or prescription medicines.

    • Eat foods that are high in fiber, such as beans, whole grains, and fresh fruits and vegetables.

    • Limit foods that are high in fat and processed sugars, such as fried or sweet foods.

If you have a cast:

• Do not stick anything inside the cast to scratch your skin. Doing that increases your risk of infection.

• You may put lotion on dry skin around the edges of the cast. Do not put lotion on the skin underneath the cast.

If you have a splint or brace:

• Wear it as told by your health care provider. Remove it only as told by your health care provider.

• Loosen it if your toes tingle, become numb, or turn cold and blue.

If you have a cast, splint, or brace:

• Keep it clean and dry.

• Check the skin around it every day. Tell your health care provider about any concerns.

• Ask your health care provider when it is safe to drive if you have it on a leg or foot that you use for driving.

Bathing

• Do not take baths, swim, or use a hot tub until your health care provider approves. Ask your health care provider if you may take showers. You may only be allowed to take sponge baths.

• If the cast, splint, or brace is not waterproof:

  • Do not let it get wet.

  • Cover it with a watertight covering when you take a bath or shower.

Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling

• If directed, put ice on the injured area.

  • If you have a removable splint or brace, remove it as told by your health care provider.

  • Put ice in a plastic bag.

  • Place a towel between your skin and the bag or between your cast and the bag.

  • Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.

• Move your toes often to avoid stiffness and to lessen swelling.

• Raise (elevate) the injured area above the level of your heart while you are sitting or lying down.

Activity

• Return to your normal activities as told by your health care provider. Ask your health care provider what activities are safe for you.

• Do not use the injured leg to support your body weight until your health care provider says that you can. Use crutches as told by your health care provider.

• Ask your health care provider which exercises are safe for you.

General instructions

• Do not put pressure on any part of a cast or splint until it is fully hardened. This may take several hours.

• Do not use any products that contain nicotine or tobacco, such as cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and chewing tobacco. These can delay healing. If you need help quitting, ask your health care provider.

• Use heel wedges if told by your health care provider.

• Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.