Achilles Tendinitis vs Achilles Tear: Symptoms and Differences

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Dr Alan Cheung

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in Singapore

MBBS (London), MRCS (England), FRCS (Trauma and Orthopaedics, England), Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine (UK), Fellow of the European Board of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

Heel and calf pain are common complaints among active individuals, but not all Achilles injuries are the same. While Achilles tendinitis tends to develop slowly as a result of repetitive strain, an Achilles tear usually happens abruptly and may feel like a sudden blow to the back of the leg. Knowing how to tell the difference is key to seeking timely treatment and avoiding prolonged recovery.

Understanding the Achilles Tendon

The Achilles tendon plays a key role in walking, running and pushing off the foot during movement. It connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, allowing the lower leg to generate strength and propel the body forward with each step.

This tendon becomes vulnerable to injury because it carries heavy loads during daily activities and absorbs even greater force during sports or sudden movements. Factors such as limited blood supply, tight calf muscles and repetitive strain can further increase the risk of developing Achilles tendinitis or sustaining a tear.

What Is Achilles Tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis develops when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, irritated and swollen, most often due to repetitive strain or overuse. Rather than occurring suddenly, the condition usually progresses gradually.

There are two main types of Achilles tendinitis, depending on the area of the tendon involved:

Non-Insertional Achilles Tendinitis This form affects the middle portion of the tendon, typically a few centimetres above where it attaches to the heel. It is more commonly seen in younger or physically active individuals and is often linked to repetitive loading from running or jumping activities.
Insertional Achilles Tendinitis Insertional Achilles tendinitis involves the lower end of the tendon where it connects to the heel bone. Pain is usually felt directly at the back of the heel and may be more noticeable during walking, climbing stairs or wearing certain footwear.

What Is an Achilles Tear?

An Achilles tear, also known as an Achilles rupture, is a more serious injury that involves partial or complete tearing of the tendon fibres. It usually occurs suddenly during forceful movements such as jumping, sprinting or pushing off the foot.

Achilles tears are commonly classified based on their severity:

Grade 1 (Mild Tear): A small number of tendon fibres are overstretched or minimally torn, causing pain but generally preserving overall tendon continuity.
Grade 2 (Partial Tear): A significant portion of the tendon fibres is damaged, leading to noticeable weakness and impaired function.
Grade 3 (Complete Tear): The tendon is fully ruptured, resulting in a complete loss of connection between the calf muscles and the heel bone.

A complete Achilles tear typically requires prompt medical evaluation, as delayed treatment may affect recovery. Partial tears may be managed surgically or non-surgically, depending on the extent of the injury, functional limitations and individual patient factors.

Symptoms and How to Spot the Differences

Although both Achilles tendinitis and an Achilles tear can cause pain near the heel or calf, the way symptoms develop and their severity are often different. Here’s what to look out for:

Symptoms of Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis usually develops gradually and may worsen over time if left untreated. Common symptoms include:

Gradual onset of pain along the tendon
Morning stiffness that eases with movement
Pain that may improve slightly with gentle activity but worsens with heavier use
Localised tenderness when the tendon is touched
Swelling or thickening along the length of the tendon

Symptoms of an Achilles Tear

An Achilles tear tends to occur abruptly and is often associated with a clear injury event. Symptoms may include:

Sudden, sharp pain, often described as feeling like being kicked or struck from behind
An audible “pop” or snapping sensation at the time of injury
Immediate difficulty walking or bearing weight
Marked weakness when pushing the foot downward
Inability to stand on tiptoes on the affected side

Diagnosing Achilles Tendinitis and Achilles Tear

A thorough clinical examination allows the doctor to determine the type and severity of the injury and guide appropriate treatment.

Physical Examination

During the examination, the doctor assesses the tendon for pain, swelling and function.

Achilles Tendinitis: The doctor looks for gradual tenderness, thickening or swelling along the tendon, as well as stiffness that is often more noticeable in the morning.
Achilles Tear: The assessment focuses on signs of sudden injury, such as a palpable gap in the tendon, weakness and difficulty walking or pushing off the foot.

Imaging Tests

Imaging studies help confirm the diagnosis when clinical findings suggest tendon injury. Ultrasound or MRI scans can identify tendon inflammation in tendinitis or detect partial or complete ruptures in cases of a tear.

Functional Tests

Simple movement tests provide additional information about tendon function.

: Pain often increases during resisted calf raises or stretching exercises.
: Inability to stand on tiptoes or generate push-off strength strongly suggests a significant rupture.

Based on the clinical assessment and symptoms, the orthopaedic specialist will determine whether imaging is necessary and select the most appropriate modality.

Treatment Approaches

Treatment for Achilles tendon injuries depends on the type and severity of the condition, as well as individual activity demands and recovery goals.

Treating Achilles Tendinitis

Treatment for Achilles tendinitis focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain and addressing contributing factors to prevent recurrence. Management may include:

Activity modification to reduce repetitive strain on the tendon
Ice application and anti-inflammatory measures to control pain and swelling
Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve calf flexibility and tendon loading capacity
Physiotherapy to guide rehabilitation and correct movement patterns
Supportive footwear or orthotics to reduce stress on the tendon during walking and exercise
Additional non-surgical options, such as shockwave therapy, in selected cases

Surgery for Achilles tendinitis is usually considered only when symptoms persist despite an adequate period of structured conservative treatment.

Treating Achilles Tear

Treatment for an Achilles tear depends on whether the tendon is partially or completely ruptured, as well as patient-specific factors.

Partial Tear: Management may involve a period of immobilisation followed by structured rehabilitation, or early functional rehabilitation, depending on the extent of the injury.
Complete Tear: Treatment often involves either surgical repair or non-surgical functional bracing. The choice depends on factors such as patient age, activity level, tear characteristics and the orthopaedic surgeon’s assessment.

Regardless of the treatment approach, follow-up rehabilitation plays a critical role in restoring strength, flexibility and function, and in supporting a safe return to daily activities or sport.

If you are experiencing persistent Achilles pain or have sustained a sudden injury, seeking timely medical assessment at the International Orthopaedic Clinic can help determine the diagnosis and guide appropriate treatment. Book a consultation to better understand your injury and take informed steps toward recovery and a safe return to activity.

our orthopaedic specialist in singapore

Dr Alan Cheung

Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

MBBS (London)
MRCS (Royal College of Surgeons of England)
FRCS (Trauma and Orthopaedics)
Diploma in Sport and Exercise Medicine
(Faculty of Sport and Exercise Medicine UK)

Dr Alan Cheung is a Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with a keen focus on treating sports injuries, adult joint reconstruction and robotic surgery (Makoplasty, Navio & Robodoc). As an avid sportsperson who is actively involved in the sporting scene, Dr Cheung empathises deeply with the needs of athletes. As a trusted orthopaedic specialist, Dr Cheung has published in numerous peer-reviewed journals and has presented at various international conferences.

Fellowship in Joint Reconstruction & Musculoskeletal Oncology
Fellowship of the European Board of Orthopaedics & Traumatology
Asia Pacific Knee Arthroscopy and Sports Medicine Society
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)

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