At the exact moment of the initial injury, when the Achilles tendon ruptures, most people report a sharp pain that feels like they’ve been kicked—or even stabbed—right in the back of the calf. You may feel a pop, or you may even hear an audible pop or snap.
After the initial trauma, you may continue to feel (potentially severe) pain and notice significant swelling and stiffness just above the back of your heel. Damage to the tendon also affects your ability to flex your foot and point your toes downward, making it difficult or impossible to push off your injured leg when walking or standing on tiptoes.
Achilles tendon ruptures are severe injuries that require lengthy rehabilitation, so if you do notice these symptoms, call Family Foot and Ankle Center right away at (513) 728-4800 or (859) 282-1572. Fixing the damage before it worsens is key to successful recovery.