the achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. a badly torn achilles tendon causes pain and sudden loss of strength and movement. sometimes this is called a rupture.
an achilles tear is most often caused by a sudden, forceful motion that stresses the calf muscle. this can happen during intense sports activity or even during simple running or jumping. middle-aged adults are more likely to get this kind of injury.
a tendon that is badly or completely torn is most often treated with surgery. sometimes a tear may be treated with a cast, splint, brace, or other device that keeps the lower leg from moving.