Ruptured Achilles tendon?

[physiobob]

Can you point the foot fully when there is no weight on it? If not then you have damaged the achilles tendon. Various things can pop in the ankle so the pop doesn't tell us that much. The inability to walk normally or rise onto the toes does. And this swelling without an actual ankle sprain does make one think about the achilles - perhaps a partial tear.

X-rays will not show damage to the tendon as x-rays look at bone and not connective tissue. You require a diagnostic ultrasound scan or MRI to see what's going on in the tendon. That said a good physio will be able to assess you and tell you what's going on without the expensive investigations. If they deem that the achilles is partially ruptured then they will suggest more investigations.

I suggest you get a second opinion and soon

[umerphysio]

I agree with bob. you must get another opinion.

[Josephine]

A bit late in the day to chime in, but won't partial tears heal themselves if immobilised?

[msk101]

Hi there
I also agree that you need another opinion (a good physiotherapist would be a great place to start) and ultrasound/MRI to determine the extent of the damage. it is possible that you have damaged the achilles tendon in some way, but in some people there is also a plantaris tendon (not everyone has it) which can also rupture independently of the achilles but initially it presents very much similar to an achilles rupture, although the restriction in active ankle movement doesn't last as the swelling and bruising subsides. you may also have torn or damaged other structures around then ankle.

while you can happily live without a plantaris and it will just gradually heal (your body takes care of the left over bits of muscle in time), but you do need an achilles tendon so it's a good idea to get further tested to see exactly what the damage is now that the acute injury is 3 weeks old.

good luck
msk101