Achilles Tendon Rupture

An Achilles tendon rupture is a serious and often sudden injury that affects the strong tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone.

Commonly seen in athletes and active individuals, this injury can significantly impair mobility and function. Dr Daniel Meyerkort, a leading orthopaedic surgeon at Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine, offers comprehensive care for Achilles tendon ruptures, including both non-surgical and surgical management, with a focus on evidence-based treatments tailored to each patient’s lifestyle and goals.

What is an Achilles Tendon Rupture?

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body. It plays a critical role in walking, running, and jumping. A rupture occurs when the tendon tears, either partially or completely, often during sudden, forceful movements such as sprinting, jumping, or pushing off the foot. Patients often describe a “pop” or snapping sensation at the back of the ankle, followed by pain, swelling, and difficulty walking.

Causes and Risk Factors

Achilles tendon ruptures most commonly occur in men aged 30–50 years who engage in recreational sports. Risk factors include:

  • Sudden increase in physical activity

  • Poor flexibility or tight calf muscles

  • Use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics or corticosteroids

  • Previous Achilles tendinopathy

  • Flat feet or foot misalignment

Diagnosis of Achilles Tendon Rupture

Dr Daniel Meyerkort conducts a thorough clinical examination and history. The Thompson test, where the calf is squeezed to assess foot movement, is a reliable clinical tool. Diagnosis is often confirmed with ultrasound or MRI imaging to evaluate the extent of the tear and determine the best treatment strategy.

Non-Surgical Management

Non-surgical treatment involves functional rehabilitation using a structured protocol that allows the tendon to heal naturally while protecting it during early recovery. At Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine, Dr Meyerkort employs advanced, evidence-based protocols that prioritise early mobilisation.

Treatment typically involves:

  • Initial immobilisation in a plantarflexed (pointed toe) position using a boot or cast

  • Gradual transition to neutral foot position over weeks

  • Physiotherapy to restore strength, flexibility, and gait

Benefits of non-surgical treatment:

  • Avoids surgical risks (e.g., infection, wound complications)

  • Comparable long-term outcomes to surgery in many patients

  • Faster return to activity in lower-risk cases

Risks of non-surgical management:

  • Slightly higher re-rupture rates in some studies

  • Potential for tendon elongation, leading to reduced push-off strength

  • Slower initial recovery for some high-performance athletes

Surgical Management

Surgical repair is often recommended for young, active individuals or athletes, particularly those wanting a quicker return to high-demand activities. Dr Daniel Meyerkort is highly experienced in minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair, which reduces complication rates and improves outcomes.

Surgical techniques may include:

  • Open repair: Traditional technique with direct suture of the torn tendon

  • Minimally invasive repair: Smaller incisions, lower risk of wound healing problems

  • Augmentation with grafts in cases of chronic or large ruptures

Postoperative care typically involves:

  • Short period of immobilisation

  • Early weightbearing in a boot

  • Progressive physiotherapy program

Risks of non-surgical management:

  • Slightly higher re-rupture rates in some studies

  • Potential for tendon elongation, leading to reduced push-off strength

  • Slower initial recovery for some high-performance athletes

Risks of surgical treatment:

  • Wound infection

  • Nerve damage or scar sensitivity

  • Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)

  • Anaesthesia-related complications

Dr Meyerkort carefully assesses each patient to determine the best option, balancing activity level, age, health status, and personal preference.

Rehabilitation & Recovery

Regardless of treatment choice, rehabilitation is critical. Dr Meyerkort works closely with physiotherapists across Perth and regional WA to ensure optimal recovery. The goal is to restore calf strength, tendon integrity, balance, and confidence in returning to daily and sporting activities.

Typical recovery timeline:

  • 0–2 weeks: Boot or cast in equinus (toes pointed down)

  • 2–6 weeks: Gradual increase in weightbearing and boot adjustments

  • 6–12 weeks: Boot weaning, active physiotherapy

  • 3–6 months: Strengthening, return to light jogging

  • 6–12 months: Return to full sports or high-demand work

Athletes are often guided through sport-specific rehab to safely return to competition.

Why Choose Dr Daniel Meyerkort?

Dr Daniel Meyerkort is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in sports ankle surgery, including Achilles tendon ruptures. Based at Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine, he offers both in-person consultations in West Perth and Telehealth appointments for regional WA patients.

His care is focused on:

  • Early diagnosis and imaging

  • Evidence-based management protocols

  • Multidisciplinary rehabilitation planning

Patients from across Perth and regional areas such as Bunbury, Geraldton, Albany, and Kalgoorlie can access expert care and guidance with flexible consultation options. Dr Meyerkort can also assist with arranging MRIs and coordinating care with local physiotherapists to streamline the treatment process.

Achilles Rupture in Athletes

Athletes often face added pressure to return to competition quickly. Dr Meyerkort has experience managing elite and recreational athletes and ensures that treatment decisions are tailored to competitive timelines while minimising long-term risk. For these patients, surgical repair with structured rehab may be the best option to preserve explosive strength and prevent elongation of the tendon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is surgery always necessary for Achilles ruptures?

Not always. Many patients, especially older or less active individuals, do well with non-surgical management.

How long will I be off work or sport?

Most return to sedentary work within 4–6 weeks. High-demand roles or sports may take 6–12 months depending on progress.

Will I walk normally again?

Yes, with appropriate treatment and physiotherapy, most patients regain full walking ability.

Personalised Orthopaedic Care in Perth

If you suspect an Achilles tendon rupture or have ongoing tendon pain, early diagnosis and expert care are essential. Contact Perth Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine to book an appointment with Dr Daniel Meyerkort, who offers personalised, evidence-based treatment options to help you recover and return to the activities you love.