Achilles tendon injury or calf injury? When should I get it checked?

This page provides general health information and does not replace assessment by a health professional. If you are unsure what care is needed, Shorecare can assess your injury. Call 111 in an emergency

Achilles tendon injuries can happen suddenly during sport, running, jumping, pushing off, or changing direction. Some injuries are mild tendon strains, while others may involve a partial or complete tear of the Achilles tendon.

An Achilles injury can sometimes feel like a calf strain at first. Some people describe a sudden pain, pop, snap, or feeling as though they have been kicked in the back of the leg at the time of injury. Others notice pain, swelling, stiffness, weakness, or difficulty pushing off when walking.

Shorecare can assess Achilles tendon injuries and calf injuries, and it can sometimes be hard to tell what the injury is without an assessment. If there is concern about a significant tendon injury, we can assess and stabilise the injury, arrange appropriate imaging or referral if needed, and advise on the next steps.

Seek urgent help immediately if:

• There has been major trauma, such as a serious fall or vehicle accident.

• The person is very unwell, faint, confused, drowsy, pale, clammy, or has severe pain.

• There is a serious open wound, heavy bleeding, or a badly deformed leg, ankle or foot.

• The foot is cold, blue, numb, very weak, or the pain is rapidly worsening.

An Achilles or calf injury should be checked if:

• You felt or heard a pop, snap, or sudden tearing sensation at the back of the ankle or calf.

• It felt like someone kicked or hit you in the back of the leg.

• You have difficulty walking normally or pushing off from the injured side.

• You cannot stand on tiptoes on the injured leg.

• There is significant swelling, bruising, weakness, or pain around the Achilles tendon or calf.

• You have sudden calf pain during sport, running, jumping, or changing direction.

• You have ongoing Achilles pain, stiffness, or swelling that is not improving.

• The pain or weakness is getting worse, or you are worried about a tendon injury.

Is it a calf strain or an Achilles tendon injury?

It can be difficult to tell the difference without an assessment. A calf strain usually involves injury to the calf muscle. An Achilles tendon injury involves the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and helps you push off, run, jump and stand on tiptoes.

A complete Achilles rupture can sometimes cause surprisingly little pain after the initial injury, but people often notice weakness, difficulty walking normally, or difficulty pushing off. This is one reason it is important to get assessed if the story sounds like an Achilles injury.

Can I walk with an Achilles rupture?

Sometimes, yes. Being able to walk does not always rule out an Achilles tendon rupture. Some people can still walk, but may walk with a limp, struggle to push off, or be unable to stand on tiptoes on the injured side.

If you felt a sudden pop or snap, thought someone kicked you in the calf, or cannot push off normally, you should definitely get it checked.

Why should an Achilles injury be assessed early?

Achilles tendon injuries can be significant. Early assessment can help identify whether the tendon is strained, partially torn, or completely ruptured.

Getting the right treatment early may reduce the risk of delayed recovery or ongoing weakness, so do not delay. Depending on the injury, treatment may include protection, immobilisation, crutches, pain relief advice, imaging, referral for specialist care, or follow-up rehabilitation.

What should I do before coming in?

• Rest the injured leg.

• Avoid running, jumping, sport, or pushing through the pain.

• Avoid stretching the calf or Achilles if you are worried about a rupture.

• Use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth for short periods.

• Keep the leg raised if possible.

• Avoid putting weight on the leg if it is very painful or weak.

• Use simple pain relief if you can take it safely.

• Do not try to “walk it off” if you felt a pop, snap, or cannot push off normally - early treatment for Achilles rupture is important, so please get this checked promptly.

How Shorecare can help

Shorecare can assess Achilles tendon injuries, calf injuries, sports injuries, workplace injuries and ACC injuries.

Depending on the injury, care may include clinical assessment, pain relief advice, crutches, a moon boot, immobilisation, ACC documentation, imaging through our radiology partner Canopy Imaging, referral for hospital or specialist care, or follow-up specialist orthopaedic review.

If the injury is more serious, Shorecare can assess and stabilise you and arrange transfer to hospital by ambulance if needed.

If you are unsure whether your injury is a calf strain or Achilles tendon injury, we are here to provide a full assessment.

Frequently asked questions

Can I come to Shorecare for an Achilles tendon injury?

Yes. Shorecare can assess Achilles tendon injuries, including suspected tendon rupture, sports injuries, calf injuries and ACC injuries.

What does an Achilles rupture feel like?

Some people feel a sudden pop, snap, or tearing sensation. Others describe feeling as though they were kicked in the back of the calf or ankle. There may be pain, swelling, bruising, weakness, limping, or difficulty pushing off.

Can I still walk if my Achilles tendon is ruptured?

Sometimes, yes. Being able to walk does not always rule out an Achilles rupture. If you cannot push off normally, cannot stand on tiptoes on the injured leg, or felt a sudden pop or snap, you should get checked.

Do I need an X-ray for an Achilles injury?

An X-ray does not show the Achilles tendon itself, but it may be useful if there is concern about a bone injury or another cause of pain. Depending on the assessment, other imaging such as ultrasound may be considered.

Can Shorecare help with ACC Achilles injuries?

Yes. Shorecare can assess and treat ACC injuries, including Achilles tendon injuries, calf injuries, sports injuries and workplace injuries.

What happens if my Achilles injury is serious?

If there is concern about a significant Achilles tendon injury or rupture, Shorecare can assess and stabilise the injury, provide support such as immobilisation and crutches where appropriate, and arrange referral for specialist or hospital care if needed.