Achilles Tendonitis vs. Tear: What’s the Difference?

That nagging pain—or sudden snap—at the back of your ankle can be worrying. And if you’re wondering whether it’s just a bit of inflammation or something more serious, like a tear, you’re not alone.

Both Achilles tendonitis and an Achilles tear affect the same part of the body, but they show up in very different ways. Understanding the difference can help you take the right steps to recover properly.

Let’s break it down.

First: What does the Achilles tendon actually do?

Your Achilles tendon is a thick, strong band that connects your calf muscles to your heel. It helps you walk, run, and push off the ground. Basically, if you’re moving your foot, your Achilles is working.

Because it works so hard, this tendon is prone to injuries—especially if it’s overloaded, stretched too far, or not given enough time to recover between activities.

What is Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is when the tendon becomes irritated or inflamed. It usually happens gradually and is often caused by repetitive movement or overuse—like increasing your running distance too quickly, skipping proper warm-ups, or wearing unsupportive shoes.

If you have tendonitis, you might notice a dull ache or stiffness in the back of your leg, especially in the morning or after sitting for a while. The pain might ease up with rest but return when you're active again. You may also see some swelling around the tendon.

What is an Achilles tear?

A tear—or rupture—is a more serious injury. It often happens suddenly, during a strong movement like sprinting, jumping, or pushing off your foot with force.

People who tear their Achilles often describe a sharp, sudden pain in the back of the leg. Some say it feels like they were kicked or hit. You might hear a pop or snap, and walking becomes difficult, if not impossible. There may be swelling, weakness, and even a visible dip in the tendon where the tear occurred.

How can you tell which one you have?

Here's a simple way to think about it:

If your pain came on slowly, gets worse with activity, and feels like a dull ache or stiffness—especially in the morning—it’s likely tendonitis.

But if your pain was sudden and sharp, and you heard a snap or now find it hard to walk or stand on your toes, it could be a tear.

Tendonitis tends to ease with rest and flares up with activity, while a tear usually causes immediate loss of strength or movement.

When should you get help?

If your symptoms have been creeping up over time and aren’t going away, seeing a physiotherapist can help. Physio treatment for tendonitis focuses on calming the irritation, improving flexibility, and slowly strengthening the tendon so it can handle movement again.

If you felt a sharp snap, can’t walk properly, or lost strength in your leg, it’s important to get checked out right away. A tear may require a period of rest, a boot, or sometimes surgery—followed by physiotherapy to help you regain movement and strength.

The good news? Physio can help with both.

Whether it’s tendonitis or a tear, physio is here to help you recover safely and fully.

For tendonitis, your physio will guide you through a plan that includes stretching, strengthening, hands-on therapy, and practical advice to get you moving pain-free again.

If you’re recovering from a tear, physio plays a key role in rebuilding strength and confidence after your tendon has healed enough to start rehab.

Final thoughts

Achilles pain can be frustrating, but it’s also your body’s way of asking for support. Whether you’re dealing with tendonitis or a tear, don’t push through the pain—get it checked out. With the right help, you can get back on your feet and back to doing what you love.