Last Updated on November 4, 2025 by mcelik

Achilles tendon injuries, like J.K. Dobbins’ in 2023, significantly impact mobility due to tendon damage. Flex foot with torn Achilles often becomes difficult or impossible because the tendon connects calf muscles to the heel, enabling foot push-off. Recovery usually involves immobilization with the foot in plantar flexion (pointed down) to protect and heal the tendon. Early rehab avoids dorsiflexion (upward foot bending) to prevent overstretching. Gradual physical therapy focuses on restoring strength, flexibility, and normal walking mechanics. Mobility may be limited for weeks to months depending on injury severity and treatment approach.​

It’s important to know if you can move your foot after an Achilles tear. This article looks into how such injuries affect foot movement.

Key Takeaways

• Achilles tendon tears significantly impact mobility.
• Foot movement is possible but challenging with a torn Achilles.
• Rehabilitation plays a key role in recovery.
• Understanding injury severity is key for treatment.
• Mobility exercises are part of the rehab process.

Understanding the Achilles Tendon Anatomy

Knowing how the Achilles tendon works is key to understanding its role in our movement. It’s a complex and essential part of our body. It plays a big role in how we move around.

Structure and Function of the Achilles Tendon

The Achilles tendon comes together from the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. It then forms a single tendon that connects to the calcaneus bone. This tendon is strong and flexible, helping us move our feet in important ways.

“The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in the human body, yet it is also one of the most commonly injured,” as noted by sports medicine specialists. Its role goes beyond just moving us. It also helps absorb and release energy when we’re active.

Role in Foot Movement and Flexion

The Achilles tendon is key in controlling our foot movements, like pointing our feet down. This is important for walking, running, and jumping. It also helps us stand on our toes.

The connection between the Achilles tendon, calf muscles, and heel bone shows how complex foot mechanics are. Damage to this tendon can really affect how we move and perform.

Types of Achilles Tendon Injuries

It’s important to know the different types of Achilles tendon injuries. This knowledge helps in diagnosing and treating them properly. The Achilles tendon can suffer from mild inflammation to severe tears.

Partial Tears vs. Complete Ruptures

Achilles tendon tears can be partial or complete. Partial tears only partially damage the tendon. They cause pain and stiffness but the tendon is not fully broken. On the other hand, complete ruptures completely break the tendon, making it hard to move the foot.

Partial tears show symptoms like pain, swelling, and stiff ankles. Complete ruptures cause sudden, severe pain and a feeling of something snapping or popping.

Tendinitis vs. Tendinosis

Tendinitis and tendinosis are two different issues with the Achilles tendon. Tendinitis is inflammation from too much strain or overuse. It leads to pain, swelling, and warmth.

Tendinosis is when the tendon fibers break down. It causes chronic pain and stiffness, worse after rest or starting to move.

Condition	Description	Symptoms
Partial Tears	Partial disruption of tendon fibers	Pain, stiffness, limited mobility
Complete Ruptures	Total disruption of tendon fibers	Severe pain, snapping sensation, impaired mobility
Tendinitis	Inflammation of the tendon	Pain, swelling, warmth
Tendinosis	Degeneration of tendon fibers	Chronic pain, stiffness

Common Causes of Achilles Tendon Tears

It’s important to know why Achilles tendon tears happen. This knowledge helps prevent and treat them. The tendon can get hurt in different ways, mainly from sports or getting older.

Sports-Related Injuries

Sports injuries are a big reason for tendon tears. Running, jumping, and quick turns can stress the tendon too much. For example, athletes like J.K. Dobbins got a tear during a game, showing the dangers of intense sports.

• Sudden acceleration and deceleration
• Direct blows to the tendon
• Overuse and repetitive strain

These things can make the tendon weak over time. Athletes who run and jump a lot are at higher risk.

Age-Related Degeneration

Getting older also plays a big part in tendon tears. As we age, the tendon gets less blood and its fibers start to break down. This makes the tendon weak and more likely to tear.

1. Reduced blood supply to the tendon
2. Degeneration of tendon fibers
3. Increased risk of tendon tears over time

Not moving enough or suddenly starting to move more can make age-related degeneration worse. Knowing this helps us prevent injuries.

In summary, tendon tears often come from sports injuries and getting older. Knowing the reasons helps prevent them and guides treatment.

Recognizing Achilles Tendon Tear Symptoms

It’s important to know the signs of an Achilles tendon tear to get help quickly. The Achilles tendon helps us move our ankles. When it gets hurt, it can really affect how we move.

Immediate Signs and Symptoms

When an Achilles tendon tears, you’ll likely feel a sharp pain right away. It might feel like someone kicked you in the back of the ankle. Soon after, you might see swelling and bruising.

Some people hear a popping sound when it happens. This is because the tendon fibers are breaking. Afterward, it’s hard to push off the ground or stand on tiptoes.

Delayed Symptoms and Progression

There are also signs that show up later. You might feel pain when walking or standing, and your ankle could keep swelling. You might also see a gap or dent above your heel where the tendon pulled back.

If you don’t treat it, an Achilles tendon tear can cause more problems. This includes chronic pain, limited movement, and a higher chance of getting hurt again. Spotting these signs early helps avoid long-term issues and aids in a better recovery.

Can You Flex Your Foot With a Torn Achilles?

Flexing your foot with a torn Achilles tendon is complex. It depends on how bad the injury is. The Achilles tendon is key for foot flexion. Damage to it can really hurt your mobility.

Foot Mobility With Partial Tears

Partial tears of the Achilles tendon hurt the tendon’s fibers. This injury can make it harder to move your foot. But, how much it affects you can vary.

Some people might be able to flex their foot a bit. But it might hurt a lot.

• Reduced Strength: Flexing might not be as strong.
• Pain During Movement: It can hurt to flex your foot because of the tear.
• Limited Range: You might not be able to move your foot as much because of pain and swelling.

Foot Mobility With Complete Ruptures

Complete ruptures of the Achilles tendon mean the tendon is totally broken. This makes it very hard to flex your foot.

1. You can’t stand on tiptoes on the hurt leg.
2. You might see a gap in the tendon area.
3. There’s a lot of pain and swelling.

With a complete rupture, losing foot flexion is more serious. People often feel weak or unstable in their ankle.

Knowing how much you can move your foot after an Achilles injury is key. It helps doctors figure out the best treatment. Whether it’s a small tear or a big rupture, checking how well you can flex your foot is important.

Diagnosing an Achilles Tendon Injury

Diagnosing an Achilles tendon tear involves several steps. These include physical exams, imaging tests, and specific clinical tests. Getting the diagnosis right is key to choosing the right treatment and helping patients recover well.

Physical Examination Techniques

A thorough physical exam is the first step in diagnosing an Achilles tendon injury. Doctors check for swelling, bruising, and tenderness in the ankle and foot. They also look at how the patient walks and moves.

Key physical examination techniques include:

• Inspecting the ankle for visible signs of injury
• Palpating the Achilles tendon to identify areas of tenderness
• Assessing the range of motion and strength of the ankle

Imaging Tests and Their Findings

Imaging tests are vital in confirming an Achilles tendon injury. Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) help doctors see the tendon and how severe the injury is.

These tests show the size and location of the tear. They also check for tendonitis or other damage.

The Thompson Test and Other Clinical Assessments

The Thompson test, or calf squeeze test, is a key test for Achilles tendon ruptures. The patient lies on their stomach with their feet hanging off the table. The doctor then squeezes the calf muscles.

If the tendon is okay, the foot will move down. But if it’s torn, the foot won’t move. This means the test is positive.

Other tests, like the single-leg heel raise test, also check the tendon’s health and function.

Range of Motion Assessment After Injury

Checking the range of motion is key when looking at an Achilles tendon injury. It shows how bad the damage is. Then, doctors can plan the right treatment.

Normal vs. Restricted Foot Flexion

Foot flexion is when you bend your foot up toward your shin. Usually, you can do this without pain. But, after an injury, it might hurt or be hard to do.

With partial tears, you might be able to bend your foot a bit, but it hurts. Full ruptures make it very hard or impossible to bend your foot.

Pain Patterns During Movement

Pain when you move can tell a lot about an Achilles tendon injury. People with tears often feel pain when trying to bend their foot or ankle.

The pain from a tear can be very sharp, worse when you’re on your feet or pushing off the ground. Sometimes, it also hurts when you’re just sitting or touching the area.

Immediate Treatment for Achilles Tendon Tears

When an Achilles tendon tear happens, quick action is key for the best recovery. The first steps you take can greatly affect how well you heal and when you can get back to normal.

RICE Protocol Implementation

The RICE protocol is a well-known method for treating injuries like Achilles tendon tears. It stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest means avoiding activities that make the injury worse. Ice helps lower pain and swelling. Compression with a bandage reduces swelling, and Elevation above the heart level also helps.

To use RICE effectively, each part is important. For example, ice should be applied for 15-20 minutes, with breaks in between. The compression should be snug but not too tight to avoid cutting off blood flow.

Pain Management Strategies

Managing pain is a big part of treating Achilles tendon tears. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used to lessen pain and swelling. But, it’s important to only take them as your doctor advises.

“Effective pain management is not just about masking the pain but also about creating an environment conducive to healing.”

– Medical Expert

Other ways to manage pain include physical therapy like ultrasound or electrical stimulation. These can help your body heal faster and feel less pain while you recover.

• Rest and avoid putting weight on the affected leg
• Apply ice to reduce pain and inflammation
• Use compression to minimize swelling
• Elevate the affected leg above heart level

By using the RICE protocol and proper pain management, people with Achilles tendon tears can get the best immediate treatment results.

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Achilles tendon tears can be treated in two ways: surgery or non-surgery. Each method has its own benefits and things to think about. The right choice depends on the tear’s severity, the patient’s health, and how active they are.

Criteria for Surgical Intervention

Young, active people often need surgery for Achilles tendon tears. Surgical intervention offers a strong repair. This can lower the chance of the tendon tearing again. A doctor will decide if surgery is needed, looking at several factors.

• The severity of the Achilles tendon tear
• The patient’s age and activity level
• The presence of any other health conditions

For more information on Achilles tendon rupture treatment.

Conservative Treatment Approaches

Non-surgical treatment is for older or less active people. Conservative management uses a cast or boot to keep the ankle stable. Then, physical therapy helps regain strength and mobility. The main parts of this treatment are:

1. Immobilization in a cast or walking boot
2. Physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion
3. Gradual return to activity

Both surgery and non-surgery have roles in treating Achilles tendon tears. The best choice depends on the individual’s situation and what they prefer. A healthcare provider will help make this decision.

Recovery Timeline and Expectations

Recovering from an Achilles tendon tear takes time and involves different stages. Knowing these stages helps patients set realistic goals and stick to their rehab plans.

Short-Term Recovery Milestones

Right after an Achilles tendon tear, the main goal is to reduce pain and swelling. Right away, patients need to rest and avoid moving the injured area. In the first 6-8 weeks, patients will start to feel better. Key milestones include:

• Reducing pain and inflammation
• Gradually regaining range of motion
• Starting to bear weight again

It’s very important to follow physical therapy during this time. It helps regain strength and mobility.

Recovery Stage	Timeline	Milestones
Immediate Recovery	0-2 weeks	Pain reduction, immobilization
Early Rehabilitation	2-6 weeks	Range of motion exercises, initial weight-bearing
Strengthening Phase	6-12 weeks	Progressive strengthening, advanced mobility exercises

Long-Term Healing Process

The healing process for Achilles tendon tears can last more than a few months. It can take 6-12 months or even longer to fully recover and get back to normal. The healing time depends on the tear’s severity, the quality of the rehab program, and the patient’s overall health.

In the long-term healing phase, it’s important to keep up with strengthening and flexibility exercises. Regular check-ups with healthcare providers are also key. They help track progress and make any needed changes to the rehab plan.

Rehabilitation Exercises for Achilles Injuries

Exercises tailored for Achilles injuries can greatly help in recovery. A good rehab plan is key to getting back strength, mobility, and function after an injury.

Early Stage Mobility Exercises

In the early rehab stages, focus on gentle exercises that aid healing and keep flexibility. Ankle mobilization exercises, like dorsiflexion and plantarflexion, are vital. These exercises involve moving the ankle through its range, either on your own or with help from a therapist.

Example Exercise: Slowly flex your foot upwards towards your shin, hold for a few seconds, and then gently point your toes downwards. Repeat this motion several times.

Progressive Strengthening Techniques

As healing progresses, strengthening exercises become more important. Resistance band exercises are great for building up the Achilles tendon and muscles around it.

• Secure a resistance band around a stable object and loop the other end around your foot.
• Perform calf raises by standing on the edge of a step with your heel hanging off.
• Slowly raise up onto your tiptoes and then lower back down.

Return to Activity Protocols

Going back to activity too soon can lead to re-injury. It’s important to follow a gradual return plan. This includes functional exercises that match the activities you want to do again.

Activity Level	Exercises	Criteria for Progression
Phase 1	Walking, toe walking, heel walking	Pain-free walking
Phase 2	Jogging, running drills	Completion of Phase 1 without pain
Phase 3	Sprinting, cutting drills, jumping	Pain-free jogging and running

By sticking to a structured rehab plan, people can recover well from Achilles tendon injuries. They can then get back to their usual activities.

Regaining Foot Flexion After an Achilles Tear

Getting back foot flexion after an Achilles tendon tear takes effort and patience. It involves using different treatments and staying committed. Achilles tendon injuries can really hurt your ability to move and enjoy life.

Therapeutic Approaches to Restore Mobility

There are many ways to get foot flexion back after an Achilles tear. These include:

• Physical therapy exercises tailored to improve ankle mobility
• Strengthening exercises for the calf muscles
• Manual therapy techniques to enhance flexibility

Physical therapy is key in getting better. It helps patients build strength and move better. Manual therapy techniques, like massage and joint mobilization, also help with flexibility and pain.

Timeline for Flexibility Improvement

How fast you get better depends on the injury and treatment. Most people see big improvements in 12 to 16 weeks with regular therapy.

It’s important to stick to your rehab plan and make lifestyle changes to help heal. Seeing your healthcare team regularly is also key. It helps track your progress and adjust your treatment if needed.

Common Misconceptions About Achilles Tears

There’s a big gap between what really happens with Achilles tendon tears and what many people think. Many hold beliefs that aren’t backed by science. This can mess up how they see the injury and how to treat it.

Myths About Movement Capabilities

One common myth is about how much you can move after an Achilles tear. Some think if you can move your foot or ankle, the tear isn’t bad. But that’s not always true.

Some people with an Achilles tear can move their foot or walk, even with a lot of pain. This doesn’t mean the injury is small. It means other muscles and tendons are helping out because the Achilles is hurt.

“The ability to plantarflex (point the foot downward) does not rule out an Achilles tendon rupture.” – An Orthopedic Surgeon

Misunderstandings About Recovery

There’s also a lot of confusion about getting better. Some think resting and waiting will fix an Achilles tear without lasting problems. But, not everyone heals this way. Some need surgery to get better.

Treatment Approach	Recovery Time	Success Rate
Conservative Management	8-12 weeks	80-90%
Surgical Intervention	12-16 weeks	90-95%

Getting better from an Achilles tear is more than just healing. It also means a big rehab program to get your strength, flexibility, and function back.

By clearing up these myths, people can understand what really happens with Achilles tendon tears. This helps them make better choices for their care.

Latest Research and Advancements in Treatment

Treatment for Achilles tendon tears has made big strides in recent years. New research and tech breakthroughs have led to better patient results. Now, there are more ways to treat this injury.

Innovative surgical approaches have been a major area of growth. Studies have shown that less invasive methods can heal faster and leave less scar. For example, percutaneous repair is becoming more popular. It helps the tendon heal well and lowers the chance of problems.

Innovative Surgical Approaches

New surgical techniques have been developed. These include:

• Arthroscopic-assisted repair
• Percutaneous repair with suture anchors
• Biological augmentation using platelet-rich plasma (PRP)

These methods aim to improve tendon healing, lessen side effects, and get patients back to their activities sooner.

Emerging Rehabilitation Protocols

New rehab plans are also key to better patient results. Modern rehab focuses on moving early, getting stronger, and learning to do daily activities again. This helps get the ankle working right and safely returns patients to sports or daily life.

Some important parts of new rehab plans are:

1. Early weight-bearing exercises
2. Progressive resistance training
3. Functional movement training

These plans are made for each patient. They aim to help them recover well and avoid getting hurt again.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It’s important to know when to get medical help for an Achilles tendon injury. Quick action can stop more problems and help you heal faster.

Warning Signs of Complications

Some signs mean you might have a serious issue with your Achilles tendon. Look out for:

• Severe pain that doesn’t get better with rest or medicine
• Significant swelling or bruising around the ankle
• Inability to stand on tiptoes or push off with the hurt foot
• A popping or snapping sound when you get hurt

Emergency vs. Routine Care Situations

Not every Achilles tendon injury needs emergency care. But some cases are urgent. Here’s what to consider:

1. Emergency situations: Severe pain, a lot of swelling, or trouble walking on the hurt leg.
2. Routine care situations: Mild pain or stiffness that gets better with rest, or if you’ve recently started being more active and hurt your tendon.

Knowing the difference helps you choose the right care for yourself.

Conclusion

Understanding Achilles tendon injuries is key to effective treatment and recovery. These injuries greatly affect foot mobility, like foot flexion. A partial or complete tear makes it hard to flex the foot.

Rehabilitation focuses on improving strength and flexibility. Treatment includes physical therapy, exercises, and sometimes surgery. The aim is to get back to normal activities.

Dealing with foot flexion issues after a tendon injury is challenging. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatment options helps. This knowledge aids in navigating the recovery process and achieving the best results.

FAQ

References

1. Hertel, J., & O’Connor, K. M. (2025). Current concepts in the nonoperative management of Achilles tendon pathology. PMC, 2025 Jul 3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12250464/