Achilles Tendon Problems

Symptoms

Symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy may include:

• Pain in the back of the heel, in the Achilles tendon area. Pain may be mild or severe, and swelling may occur.
• Tenderness in the Achilles tendon area. Tenderness may be more noticeable in the morning.
• Stiffness and pain that goes away as the tendon warms up with use.
• Decreased strength and movement, or a feeling of sluggishness in the leg.

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture may include:

• A sudden, sharp pain that feels like a direct hit to the Achilles tendon. There may be a pop when the rupture occurs. This may be followed by swelling and bruising.
• Heel pain (may be severe).
• Not being able to go on tiptoe with the hurt leg.

If you have a partial rupture (tear) of the Achilles tendon, you may have near-normal strength and less pain after the initial injury, compared to what you experience after a complete rupture.

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Author:	Kathe Gallagher, MSW	Last Updated: March 9, 2007
Medical Review:	Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine Nicola Maffulli, MD, PhD - Orthopedics H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
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