• Complete tear of the tendon at the back of the ankle
• Symptoms may include pain when flexing the ankle, sound of tendon tearing and difficulty standing or walking
• Cause most often due to strenuous activity, overuse, injury or corticosteroid use
• Cannot be spread from person to person
• Affects males and females but most common in males
• Can occur at any age but more common in middle age
• Severe and requires immediate medical attention
• May require surgery

FOR PAIN

• Apply hot or cold packs to the area
• Relaxation techniques
• Distraction
• Over-the-counter medicine (refer to manufacturer’s recommendations for dosage):
  • Acetaminophen
  • Ibuprofen