You might be someone who enjoys staying active—whether it’s running, playing sports, or even just going for walks. But one misstep, jump, or sudden movement can lead to a serious injury, especially around your ankle or lower leg. If you’ve ever felt a sharp pain in the back of your leg or had trouble standing on your toes, you might have wondered if it was something more serious than just a muscle strain.
The Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, plays a big role in how you move. When this tendon is injured or torn, it can stop you in your tracks. Knowing the signs of an achilles tendon rupture early on can help you take action before the injury gets worse. Here are some signs to watch out for.
Sudden Pain That Feels Like a Snap – A Sign of an Achilles Tendon Rupture
If you ever feel a sharp, sudden pain in the back of your leg during physical activity, it could be a warning sign. Many people describe the feeling as if someone hit or kicked them hard in the calf—even though no one did. This kind of pain usually happens without warning and is one of the clearest signs of an achilles tendon rupture. Sometimes, you might even hear a snapping or popping sound when it happens.
Swelling Around the Back of Your Ankle
Swelling is your body’s natural response to injury. If you notice swelling around the back of your ankle or lower calf after a fall or sudden movement, it could mean your Achilles tendon has been injured. The swelling can show up quickly and may make it hard to move your foot or walk normally. While swelling alone doesn’t confirm a rupture, it’s definitely something that needs attention—especially if it comes with other symptoms on this list.
You Can’t Stand on Your Toes
The Achilles tendon helps you lift your heel off the ground, which is what allows you to stand on your toes. If you suddenly find that you can’t do this—especially if it’s just one foot that’s affected—it may mean the tendon is no longer working the way it should. Being unable to push off or rise onto your toes is a serious red flag, and it often happens right after the tendon has torn.
Weakness in the Leg After Movement
Sometimes, you might not feel a snap or hear a pop, but your leg just feels weak. After trying to run, jump, or even climb stairs, you might notice that one leg feels much weaker than the other. This weakness can be due to damage in the tendon that keeps your foot from pushing off the ground properly. If everyday movements suddenly feel harder, don’t ignore it—especially if the weakness comes on suddenly.
A Gap or Dent in the Back of Your Leg
Another sign that something is seriously wrong is if you can feel or see a gap where the Achilles tendon is supposed to be. Normally, the tendon forms a straight line from your calf to your heel. After a rupture, this area may look or feel different. You might notice a dent or soft spot where the tendon used to be tight. This gap forms because the tendon is no longer connected, and it’s a strong indication that the injury is serious.