clinical features
Last reviewed 08/2021
presentation
Typical patient will present with the following complains:
- sudden onset of pain in the posterior aspect of the foot and ankle or feeling a sudden painful blow to the heel
- the patient may describe the sensation as been kicked or hit on the back of the heel tendon by a ball or racquet
- sometimes accompanied by an audible snap
- occurs during physical activity which requires forceful plantar flexion (1,2)
Patients may complain of a residual calf ache, mild bruising, swelling, and a weakness in “pushing off” with the affected foot (2).
On examination, there is swelling, tenderness and bruising around the tendon. At the point of maximal tenderness, a defect may be felt. Frequently, this occurs at about 5 cm above the insertion of the Achilles tendon.
Reference: