Tendon Ruptures

Tendons are fibrous soft tissues that connect your muscles to your bones. These strong tissues often experience forces equivalent to several times your body weight, such as while running and jumping. Tendon strains (stretches and small, partial tears) are common injuries that are most often treated nonsurgically by the RICE method (resting, icing, compression and elevation) and, perhaps, physical therapy.

Occasionally, however, an acute sports injury or trauma can put so much stress on a tendon that it breaks through completely. This is called a tendon rupture, and surgery to reconnect the tendon is often necessary.

What are the symptoms of a ruptured tendon?

Severe pain is the first and most evident symptom. You may also hear a snapping or popping sound at the time of injury. Another common, immediate sign of a tendon rupture is rapid bruising at the site of injury. These signs are usually followed by an inability to bear weight (on the leg or ankle, for example), weakness and restriction of movement in the affected part of the body.

Explore articles on this topic and find HSS doctors who treat tendon ruptures below. You may also want to visit these pages on related conditions:

• Tendon Injuries
• Achilles Tendon Injuries and Conditions
• Biceps Tendon Rupture/Tear