The Achilles tendon (AT) is the largest tendon in the human body, connecting the gastro-cnemius, soleus and plantaris muscles to the calcaneus. Together with these muscles, the AT causes plantarflexion of the foot at the ankle joint and flexion at the knee, which are vital functions within the gait cycle. The AT also prevents excessive dorsiflexion of the foot. Whilst AT ruptures present more commonly in the emergency department, it is still a common presentation in general practice. In the general practice setting, delayed presentations and missed diagnoses are common. An increase in presentations following the recent COVID - 19 pandemic is anticipated, as people return to sport following a lengthy lay-off. Despite an awareness of the seriousness of this injury, many clinicians are unaware of how best to manage patients. This article will focus on the aetiology of AT ruptures, presentation in general practice and how best to diagnose and manage an AT rupture.
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