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What is the Achilles tendon and what does it do?

The Achilles tendon is a rubber band-like strand of tissue that connects the heel bone to the calf muscle. This powerful tendon pulls on the heel when the calf muscle is flexed. Because of the Achilles tendon, we can stand on our toes while walking, running, and jumping. 

Because we use it every day, the Achilles tendon may become injured. One potential injury to the Achilles tendon is a rupture of the tendon. Let’s explore the details of what this injury means and what to do about it.

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 an emergency?

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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