If you’ve felt a sudden sharp pain in the back of your ankle while running, jumping, or even climbing stairs, you may have experienced an Achilles tendon injury. This tendon—the largest in your body—plays a crucial role in helping you walk, run, and push off the ground. When it’s overstretched or ruptured, it can be debilitating. Many people seeking help for an Achilles Tear in Singapore wonder about the difference between a partial tear and a complete tear, and how doctors diagnose and treat the condition.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the key differences, causes, treatment options, and what you can expect in recovery.
What Is an Achilles Tear?
Your leg muscles are linked to the bone in your heel by the Achilles tendon. When it tears—either partially or entirely—it interrupts this connection and affects your ability to move correctly.
- Partial Tear: Only part of the tendon fibers are damaged. You may still be able to walk, but pain, swelling, and weakness are common.
- Complete Tear (Rupture): The tendon is torn fully, often with a popping sound. Walking becomes very difficult, and pushing off your foot may be nearly impossible.
Both types need to be carefully looked at, because injuries that aren’t addressed can cause long-term weakness or tears that happen again and again.
Causes of Achilles Tear in Singapore
An Achilles tear can happen to anyone, but certain activities and situations increase your risk. Common causes include:
- Sudden increase in activity: Quickly ramping up running distance, intensity, or speed.
- Sports with jumping and sprinting: Basketball, soccer, and tennis often strain the tendons.
- Improper footwear: Shoes without proper support can put extra pressure on the tendon.
- Lack of warm-up: If your muscles are cold and rigid, they are more likely to get hurt.
- Trauma: A rip can happen when a direct force, like a fall or a quick error, occurs.
Medical Conditions That Can Aggravate Achilles Tear
Some underlying health issues can weaken the tendon, making it more vulnerable:
- Diabetes: May affect the blood supply to tendons, slowing healing.
- Obesity: Extra body weight increases strain on the tendon.
- Arthritis: Inflammation may compromise tendon strength.
- Use of certain medications: Some antibiotics or steroids have been linked to tendon weakening.
If you have one of these conditions, it’s essential to be cautious with your ankle health.
How Doctors Diagnose Partial vs. Complete Achilles Tear in Singapore
Doctors usually utilize a mix of physical exams and imaging tests to determine whether your tear is partial or complete.
- Physical Examination
- They may press on the tendon to feel for gaps.
- A standard test is the “calf squeeze test,” where your calf is gently squeezed to see if the foot moves. A lack of movement may indicate a complete tear.
- They may press on the tendon to feel for gaps.
- Ultrasound or MRI
- The severity of the injury can be verified with the use of imaging.
- Partial tears often show as frayed fibers, while complete ruptures appear as a clear gap in the tendon.
- The severity of the injury can be verified with the use of imaging.
It’s essential to receive the correct diagnosis because the therapy changes depending on the severity of the problem.
Treatment Options for Achilles Tear in Singapore
Your age, how much exercise you get, and your general health may also affect how your tear is treated.
1. Non-Surgical Treatment
Most often recommended for those who have partial tears or who do not engage in much physical activity. This may include, but is not limited to, the following:
- The acronym R.I.C.E. stands for the following: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation
- Use of a boot or cast to immobilize the tendon
- Physiotherapy to strengthen the muscles around the injury and help them regain movement.
2. Surgical Treatment
Often chosen for complete ruptures, especially in active patients. When you have surgery, the torn ends of the tendon are sewn back together. Recovery may be longer, but the risk of re-injury is generally lower with proper rehabilitation.
3. Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy
Whatever your course of treatment, physiotherapy is a must if you want to get your strength and mobility back. Achilles Tendon Tears in Singapore rehabilitation commonly include structured physiotherapy programs tailored to the severity of the injury. The activities center on:
- Doing stretches to work out the calf muscles
- Slowly but surely, the tendon becomes stronger.
- Balance and coordination training to prevent future injuries
Can an Achilles Tear Relapse?
Sadly, absolutely. There’s still a danger of being hurt again, especially if you go back to doing hard things too soon after therapy. Achilles Tear in Singapore relapse risks are often linked to premature return to sports or insufficient rehabilitation. Some things that make it more likely that someone will relapse are:
- Resuming sports without completing rehabilitation
- Not following medical advice on activity restriction.
- Underlying medical conditions that weaken tendons
That’s why preventive care—such as stretching, strengthening, and wearing supportive footwear—is so critical.
Dos and Don’ts During Recovery
Dos
- Do follow your doctor’s and physiotherapist’s instructions carefully.
- Do use supportive footwear or braces if recommended.
- Do commit to your rehabilitation exercises.
- Do allow your body adequate rest between activity sessions.
Don’ts
- Don’t rush back to sports or high-impact exercise.
- Don’t ignore pain—it’s your body’s way of signaling overuse.
- Don’t stop rehabilitation exercises too early, even if you feel better.
FAQs About Achilles Tear in Singapore
1. How do I know if my Achilles tendon is torn?
You may hear a “pop” or feel like you’ve been kicked in the back of your ankle. Walking and pushing off the foot become difficult, especially with a complete tear.
2. Can a partial tear heal without surgery?
Yes, many partial tears can heal with rest, immobilization, and physical therapy.
3. How long does recovery take?
Partial tears may take 6–12 weeks to heal, while complete tears (especially with surgery) can require 6–9 months of rehabilitation.
4. Will I regain full strength after treatment?
Most patients regain strength and mobility, though some may notice minor stiffness or weakness. Rehabilitation plays a significant role in achieving a full recovery. Achilles tear recovery programs in Singapore often emphasize physiotherapy to restore flexibility, strength, and balance.
5. Can I prevent Achilles tears?
Yes, if you take the time to warm up before you work out, stretch frequently, build up your calves, and wear supportive shoes.
The Bottom Line on Achilles Tear Recovery in Singapore
Knowing the difference between a partial tear and a full tear of the Achilles tendon will help you make wise choices if you have this painful condition. Recovery is not only possible but also likely if the correct diagnosis, therapy, and retraining are used. The goal of treatment for Achilles tendonitis in Singapore is to get you moving again, feeling better, and being yourself again as soon as possible. If you have an Achilles Tear in Singapore, you need to see a doctor right away to make sure you heal properly and lower your risk of long-term problems.
If you suspect an Achilles tear, don’t delay seeking care. Early treatment ensures better healing, lowers the risk of relapse, and helps you get back on your feet with confidence.
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Cove Orthopaedic Clinic – Dr Sean Ng
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth #14-13
Singapore 228510
Farrer Park Medical Centre
1 Farrer Park Station Road #11-10
Connexion, Singapore 217562
Phone: 6475 7177
Whatsapp: 9631 7637
