The definitive guide to recovery

Sit or lie down and elevate the injured leg above heart level if possible — on a couch arm, pillows, or whatever is available. Standard clinical guidance consistently advises avoiding weight-bearing on a suspected rupture until assessed by a clinician.

Apply ice or a frozen pack wrapped in a cloth or tea towel — never directly to skin. 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off. This is consistent with published first aid guidelines for acute soft tissue injury and is intended to help manage swelling while awaiting clinical assessment.

Published clinical guidance generally advises avoiding pain medication — including over-the-counter anti-inflammatories — until you have been assessed by a clinician, as some medications may affect treatment options. If you are already on prescribed medication, continue as directed by your prescribing doctor.

The Thompson test is the primary clinical assessment for Achilles tendon rupture. Lie face-down with both feet hanging off the edge of a bed. Ask someone to squeeze the calf muscle firmly. In an intact tendon, the foot moves downward. If the foot does not move, published literature suggests this indicates likely tendon disruption — though only a clinician can diagnose a rupture. Either way, same-day clinical assessment is recommended.

Published orthopaedic guidelines consistently recommend same-day emergency department assessment for suspected Achilles tendon rupture. The 72-hour window is clinically significant — earlier assessment is associated with better treatment outcomes if surgical repair is being considered. This is general information only — your treating clinician will advise on the appropriate next steps for your situation.