Achilles tendon rupture
Achilles tendon rupture repair is an operation to reconnect the torn ends of the Achilles tendon, helping to restore strength and movement in your foot and ankle.
What is an Achilles tendon rupture?
An Achilles tendon rupture is a partial or complete tear of the strong tendon connecting your calf muscles to your heel. The tendon helps you point your foot downwards, rise onto your toes and push off when walking or running. With a complete rupture, the connection between the calf muscles and heel is lost.
What causes it?
There may be more than one reason why this develops. Possible causes or contributing factors include:
- A sudden force through the tendon during sport
- Training too hard when the tendon is already weakened
- Changes to the tendon with age
- Long-term corticosteroid use
- Steroid injections near the tendon
- Certain antibiotics that can weaken the tendon
What are the symptoms?
Everyone experiences symptoms differently, but you may notice:
- Sudden pain at the back of the ankle, although some people have little pain
- A snapping or popping sensation
- Difficulty walking or pushing off through the foot
- Swelling and bruising
- A gap that may be felt in the tendon
How is it diagnosed?
Your consultant will ask how the injury happened and examine your ankle. This is often enough to identify a rupture, although an ultrasound or MRI scan may be arranged to confirm the diagnosis and assess the tear.
We’ll explain any tests clearly and talk you through the results, so you understand what they mean for you.
How is it treated?
A ruptured Achilles tendon should be assessed promptly so it can heal at the correct length. Treatment may be non-surgical or surgical, depending on the tear, your health and the activities you want to return to.
Together, we’ll build a plan around your needs, your recovery and the activities that matter most to you.
Treatment Routes
The right approach will depend on your diagnosis, symptoms, activity level and personal goals.
- A cast or supportive boot that holds the torn ends close together
- Regular reviews to check healing
- A structured physiotherapy programme
- A gradual return to weight-bearing and movement
Your consultant will help you understand which options may be right for you and when your progress should be reviewed.
Recovery goals after treatment for achilles tendon rupture
Early recovery
Protect the healing tendon Manage pain and swelling Move safely using a cast, boot or crutches as advised
As your symptoms improve
Gradually restore ankle movement Rebuild calf strength Return to comfortable walking
Returning to full activity
Progress to running, jumping or sport when advised Restore power and control Reduce the risk of another rupture Important: This information is only a general guide to help you understand your care and what to expect. Everyone is different, and your recovery may be quicker or slower than someone else’s. Please contact us if you are worried about any aspect of your health or recovery.
Working with professionals and teams
Our consultants support professional athletes, sports teams and active individuals with the assessment and treatment of meniscus injuries. Working closely with physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists and the wider care team, they develop personalised treatment plans that support a safe return to sport or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or goals.
Our Experts - Leaders in Foot and Ankle treatment
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic London
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore Street W1U 2SB
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon Clinic
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT Scan
- Image guided injections
- Physiotherapy
- MAKO Robotic Joint Replacement
- Knee replacement revision clinic
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William Street EC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon Clinic
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple Road SW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1H 6EQ
- 020 3195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
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