Achilles tendon connects the gastro-coleus muscle complex, which is the strongest muscle in the body, to the heel bone. The main function of the Achilles tendon is to rise the body on tip toes and to accelerate the body forward during walking and running.

Although the Achilles tendon has a strong structure, it may rupture in some sudden over load activities. It commonly occurs in amateur sporting individuals over 30 years of age. The main cause is, beginning the sport activities without stretching and pre-conditioning the muscles before the sport activities.

Playing football is a typical example. Usually performed once a week during evenings without pre-training may overload the Achilles tendon which is a triggering factor for rupture. The Achilles tendon rupture usually occurs at the beginning, within the fist 10-15 minutes of the game. The rupture mainly occurs without direct contact. A sudden loud pop sound occurs while running. Although the individual usually insists that somebody hit him from the behind or a stone is thrown, indeed the impact he feels is the strong blast effect of the tendon while rupturing.

After the first intervention of ice and compression, a temporary splint is applied for immobilization. The gold standard for Achilles tendon rupture is surgical repair. Although casting can be done in patients over 60 years of age, it is not a preferred method. The ruptured tendon is sutured during the surgery. There are many defined repair techniques and materials that varies according to the surgeon. Although there advocators of early weight bearing and mobilization, some kind of immobilization for 3-6 weeks is usually advised after the surgery. Physical therapy is required after the surgery for early regaining muscle strength.