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from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

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Achilles Tendon Rupture (Tear)

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and is used when you walk, run, and jump.

Although the Achilles tendon can withstand great stresses from running and jumping, it is vulnerable to injury. A rupture of the tendon is a tearing and separation of the tendon fibers so that the tendon can no longer perform its normal function.

This video animation provides information about the Achilles tendon, how it can be injured, and how injuries are treated — both nonsurgically and surgically.

 

Contributed and/or Updated by

Stuart James Fischer, MD, FAAOS

AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS Find an Orthopaedist program on this website.

 

The content on this website may have been translated from English into other languages using artificial intelligence tools. The translations are provided for the convenience of readers and may not been reviewed or verified by medical professionals. AAOS makes no guarantees regarding the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the translated information and disclaims all liability for any issues arising from its use. Users are strongly encouraged to refer to the original English content and consult qualified healthcare professionals before making any medical decisions. By using the translated content, you acknowledge and accept these limitations and assume full responsibility for any reliance on the information provided.