Ruptured Achilles Tendon TREATMENT MELBOURNE: Surgery vs. Conservative Treatment
That “Pop” You Never Want to Hear.
Imagine this: You’re in the middle of a workout, a casual game of soccer, or just stepping off a curb when suddenly—you feel a sharp snap in the back of your leg.
It feels like someone kicked you, but when you turn around, no one is there.
You try to take a step, but something feels off. Your foot won’t work the way it should, and pushing off feels impossible.
This is the dreaded Achilles tendon rupture, a complete tear of the strongest tendon in your body.
It’s an injury that stops athletes in their tracks, but it also affects everyday people—runners, gym-goers, or even someone simply stepping awkwardly off a curb.
Now comes the big decision: Should you have surgery, or let it heal naturally?
The answer isn’t straightforward.
Some people recover fully without surgery, while others opt for surgical repair to reduce re-injury risk.
What matters most is choosing the right treatment for your lifestyle, goals, and rehab commitment.
Understanding an Achilles Tendon Rupture
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It’s responsible for:
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Walking
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Running
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Jumping
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Pushing off the ground
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Changing direction quickly
When it ruptures, it means the tendon completely tears apart, disrupting all these movements.
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Why Does ACHILLES TENDON RUPTURES Happen?
Achilles ruptures typically occur due to:
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Explosive movements (sprinting, jumping, sudden changes in direction)
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Overuse and aging (Achilles tissue weakens over time, especially after 30)
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A sudden stretch on a tight tendon (stepping into a hole, missing a step)
Most people describe a sudden, sharp pain in the lower leg, sometimes with an audible “pop.” You might still be able to walk, but pushing off your injured foot will feel impossible.
Once diagnosed, you’ll have two options:
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Surgical repair – The torn tendon is stitched back together.
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Conservative (non-surgical) treatment – The tendon heals naturally with immobilization and rehab.
Surgical Repair FOR ACHILLES RUPTURES IN MELBOURNE: The Gold Standard?
Surgery involves making an incision at the back of the leg, pulling the torn ends of the tendon together, and stitching them back in place. Some surgeons use a minimally invasive technique with smaller incisions, while others use open surgery for a more direct repair.
Pros of Surgery:
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Lower risk of re-rupture – Around 4-6%, compared to up to 20% with conservative treatment.
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Stronger long-term tendon function – Important for explosive sports like basketball and sprinting.
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Faster return to activity – Many athletes opt for surgery to get back to sport sooner.
Cons of Surgery:
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Higher risk of complications – Includes infection, nerve damage, and scarring.
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More downtime initially – You’ll still need immobilization and a slow rehab process.
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Higher cost – Surgery can be expensive depending on healthcare coverage.
Who Should Consider Surgery?
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Athletes or highly active individuals
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People wanting to minimize the risk of re-rupture
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Anyone aiming for maximum long-term tendon strength
Conservative Treatment FOR ACHILLES RUPTURES: Can It Work Just as Well?
Instead of surgery, some people allow the tendon to heal naturally. This involves wearing a boot or brace, keeping the foot in a pointed position so the torn ends can reconnect over time.
Pros of Conservative Treatment:
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No surgery risks – No infection, no scarring, no complications.
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Less expensive – No hospital stays or surgical fees.
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Studies suggest similar long-term outcomes – If rehab is done properly, you can regain full function.
Cons of Conservative Treatment:
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Higher risk of re-rupture – Especially if rehab isn’t followed properly.
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Requires strict rehab commitment – You can’t rush the process.
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Possibly slower return to sport – Athletes may take longer to get back to peak performance.
Who Should Consider Conservative Treatment FOR ACHILLES RUPTURES?
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Older, less active individuals
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People with health risks that make surgery dangerous
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Anyone willing to commit to a slow, structured rehab plan
ACHILLES Rehab: The Real Key to Recovery
Regardless of whether you get surgery or not, your recovery will depend on physiotherapy and a structured rehab program.
Rehab Timeline & Key Exercises
Weeks 0-4: Protection Phase
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Surgery: Boot immobilization, no weight-bearing
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Conservative: Boot with early weight-bearing (modern approach)
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Goal: Allow tendon healing while avoiding stiffness
Weeks 4-8: Controlled Movement Phase
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Partial weight-bearing if not already started
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Gentle range-of-motion exercises
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Calf contractions to start rebuilding strength
Weeks 8-12: Strength Rebuilding
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Bodyweight calf raises, balance drills
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Low-impact cardio like cycling or swimming
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Walking with a natural gait pattern
Months 4-9: Return to Sport & Full Strength
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Running & jumping drills (if appropriate for your goals)
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Plyometrics, agility drills, and advanced strength work
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Testing Achilles strength for symmetry
By 6-9 months, most people return to normal activities. Athletes may take up to a year for peak performance.
Common Challenges During Recovery OF ACHILLES RUPTURES
Pain & Swelling
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Normal in the early weeks but should improve with proper elevation and movement.
Mental Barriers
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Fear of re-injury is common. Working with a physiotherapist helps build confidence.
Setbacks in Recovery
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Overloading too soon can cause setbacks. Listen to your body and follow a gradual rehab plan.
When Can You Resume Daily Activities AFTER AN ACHILLES RUPTURE?
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Walking without a boot: 8-12 weeks
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Driving: Usually around 10-12 weeks if it's your right foot
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Climbing stairs normally: 4-6 months
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Running: Around 5-7 months
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Jumping & sports: 9-12 months, depending on sport demands
Surgery vs. Conservative Treatment FOR ACHILLES RUPTURES: Which One Wins?
Neither option is universally better—but here’s a breakdown of what might influence your decision:
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Are you an athlete? → Surgery likely gives you a stronger repair and quicker return.
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Do you have health risks for surgery? → Conservative treatment is safer.
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Are you fully committed to rehab? → If not, neither option will work well.
If you want the lowest risk of re-injury and the best chance at full strength, surgery is likely the better option. But if you’re okay with a slightly higher re-injury risk and want to avoid surgery, conservative treatment can absolutely work—as long as you commit to rehab.
Final Thoughts: Making the Right Call AFTER AN ACHILLES RUPTURE
Your Achilles will heal, but how well it heals depends on your commitment to recovery.
How can we help you?
At Melbourne Sports Physiotherapy our goal is to get you moving pain free as soon as possible.
But, we also want you to actually move better and live a healthier, more active and fulfilling life!
If your sports, fitness training or work has been wearing your body down, book in with one of our expert massage therapists so we can help you reduce your pain or stiffness.
If you are showing some signs of this condition or simply want help prevent this from happening in the future then book in with one of our highly experienced Remedial Massage Therapists today!
You can make an appointment by calling or booking online.
BOOK ONLINE NOW TO FIX YOUR BODY