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Is a ruptured Achilles tendon an emergency?

A ruptured Achilles tendon is an emergency. You should seek immediate medical care if you hear a loud pop or snap, feel the sensation of being struck in the back of the leg, aren’t able to stand on your toes, or bend your foot downward. You may not have pain and may still be able to walk but should have the above symptoms checked out. 

In the emergency room, the healthcare provider will examine your feet, legs, and ankles. You’ll be asked questions about your physical activity. Tests that may be used to evaluate the injury include a magnetic resonance imaging test (MRI) or an ultrasound. You may be placed in a cast or boot to protect the injury. In some cases, you may need to use crutches to help you walk. The emergency room staff will refer you for follow-up with an orthopedic or sports medicine healthcare provider.

What is the Achilles tendon and what does it do?

What is a ruptured Achilles tendon?

How does a ruptured Achilles tendon happen?

How do you know if you have a ruptured Achilles tendon?

Can you still walk with a ruptured Achilles tendon?

Is a ruptured Achilles tendon worse than a torn Achilles tendon?

How do you treat a ruptured Achilles tendon? (What is the best treatment?)

Do you need surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon? (Or can it heal on its own?)

How long does it take to recover from a ruptured Achilles tendon?

* Savings estimate based on a study of more than 1 billion claims comparing self-pay (or cash pay) prices of a frequency-weighted market basket of procedures to insurer-negotiated rates for the same. Claims were collected between July 2017 and July 2019. R.Lawrence Van Horn, Arthur Laffer, Robert L.Metcalf. 2019. The Transformative Potential for Price Transparency in Healthcare: Benefits for Consumers and Providers. Health Management Policy and Innovation, Volume 4, Issue 3.

Sidecar Health offers and administers a variety of plans including ACA compliant and excepted benefit plans. Coverage and plan options may vary or may not be available in all states.

Your actual costs may be higher or lower than these cost estimates. Check with your provider and health plan details to confirm the costs that you may be charged for a service or procedure.You are responsible for costs that are not covered and for getting any pre-authorizations or referrals required by your health plan. Neither payments nor benefits are guaranteed. Provider data, including price data, provided in part by Turquoise Health.

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