A tear of the Achilles tendon is not an uncommon problem in sports activity and could be quite dramatic if it happens, since the calf muscles and the attached Achilles tendon play such an significant function. It is more likely to happen in explosive activities like tennis. The real issue is that the achilles tendon and the two muscles connected to it cross two joints (the knee as well as the ankle joint) and when both the joints are moving in opposite directions at the same time, particularly if instantly (as might happen in tennis), then the probability of something going wrong is quite high. The management of an achilles tendon rupture is a little controversial because there are two options that the majority the research shows have got very similar outcomes. One choice is conservative and the other is surgical. The conservative choice is typically putting the lower limb in cast which holds the foot pointing downwards a little. It will take up to six weeks to heel up and after the cast is removed, there ought to be a slow and gentle return to physical activity. Physiotherapy is often used to help with that.
The surgical choice for an Achilles tendon rupture is to surgically sew the two edges of the tendon together again, this is followed by a period of time in a cast which is shorter than the conservative choice, and will be followed by a similar steady and slow return to activity. If longer term results are compared the final outcome is usually about the same, but the operative technique has the added chance of surgical or anaesthetic complications which the conservative method doesn't have. The decision as to which method to use for an Achilles tendon rupture is better will have to be one based on the experiences of the surgeon and the preferences of the individual with the rupture. There's a tendency for competitive athletes to go along the surgical pathway since it is believed that this does give a improved short term outcome and get the athlete back to the sports field more rapidly.