Did you feel a sudden pop or sharp pain in the back of your ankle during a jump, sprint, or quick movement? Are you having difficulty pushing off your foot or standing on your toes? You may be experiencing an Achilles tear, also called an Achilles tendon rupture, a serious injury that affects the large tendon connecting your calf muscles to your heel.
At Rose Physical Therapy, with clinics in Navy Yard, Friendship Heights, and Farragut North in Washington, DC, physical therapists provide individualized rehabilitation to help patients recover strength, restore mobility, and safely return to daily activity after an Achilles tendon injury.
Understanding an Achilles Tear
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. It connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and plays an essential role in movements such as walking, running, and jumping.
An Achilles tear occurs when the tendon is stretched beyond its capacity, causing the fibers to partially or completely separate.
Two types of injuries may occur:
Partial Tear
Some tendon fibers are damaged but the tendon remains partially intact.
Complete Rupture
The tendon fully separates into two pieces, often resulting in significant weakness and difficulty pushing off the foot.
Many people describe the injury as feeling like they were suddenly kicked in the back of the ankle. Recovery can take several months and may involve either surgical or non-surgical treatment depending on the severity of the tear.
Common Causes of Achilles Tears
Achilles tendon ruptures are most often associated with sudden or forceful movements.
Sports Injuries
Activities that involve sprinting, jumping, or quick direction changes such as basketball, tennis, soccer, and football may increase risk.
Sudden Increase in Activity
Rapid increases in exercise intensity or training volume may overload the tendon.
Falls or Missteps
A fall or awkward landing can force the foot into a position that overstretches the tendon.
Age-Related Changes
Tendons may weaken over time, making them more susceptible to injury.
Signs and Symptoms of an Achilles Tear
Symptoms often appear immediately after the injury.
Common symptoms include:
• A sudden sharp pain or popping sensation in the back of the ankle
• Swelling around the ankle or lower calf
• Bruising that may develop over several days
• Difficulty pushing off the foot while walking
• Inability to stand on the toes of the affected leg
• Weakness in the calf and ankle
• A visible or palpable gap in the tendon above the heel
Because an Achilles rupture is a significant injury, medical evaluation should be sought as soon as possible.
How an Achilles Tear Is Evaluated
At Rose Physical Therapy, evaluation focuses on understanding the severity of the injury and how it affects movement.
Your physical therapist may perform:
• Review of the injury event and current symptoms
• Palpation of the Achilles tendon to check for gaps or tenderness
• Range of motion testing of the ankle and foot
• Strength testing of the calf muscles
• The Thompson test, which assesses tendon integrity by squeezing the calf to observe foot movement
In some cases, imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI may be recommended by a physician to confirm the diagnosis.
Physical Therapy for Achilles Tear Recovery
Whether the injury is treated surgically or non-surgically, physical therapy is a key part of recovery.
At Rose Physical Therapy, rehabilitation programs are tailored to the stage of healing and each patient’s goals.
Pain and Swelling Management
Early treatment focuses on protecting the tendon and reducing inflammation.
Gait Training
Physical therapists help patients regain a normal walking pattern as they progress from assistive devices or a walking boot.
Range of Motion Exercises
Gradual mobility exercises help restore movement in the ankle without overstressing the healing tendon.
Progressive Strengthening
Exercises are introduced gradually to rebuild strength in the calf muscles and surrounding structures.
Balance and Stability Training
Exercises that improve balance and proprioception help restore coordination and reduce reinjury risk.
Functional and Activity Training
As recovery progresses, therapy includes movements needed for daily activities, exercise, or sports.
Home Exercise Program
Patients receive a customized program to continue strengthening and mobility work outside the clinic.
Achilles Tear Rehabilitation in Washington, DC
An Achilles tendon rupture can significantly affect mobility and physical activity. With appropriate rehabilitation, many individuals regain strength, movement, and confidence in their ankle.
At Rose Physical Therapy, individualized care focuses on restoring function, rebuilding strength, and supporting a safe return to activity.
If you have experienced a sudden injury to the back of your ankle or have been diagnosed with an Achilles tear, schedule an evaluation at one of the Washington, DC clinic locations:
Farragut North
Friendship Heights
Navy Yard
Rose Physical Therapy provides comprehensive rehabilitation designed to help patients recover from Achilles tendon injuries and return safely to everyday movement and activity.