Achilles tendon ruptures are an injury on the back of your lower leg. The Achilles tendon is a strong cord of tissue that connects the muscles in the back of your calf to your heel bone. It helps you do things like walk, run, jump, stand on your toes, and climb stairs.
The Achilles tendon can tear (rupture) completely or partially when it’s overstretched. This is most common when playing recreational sports, especially sports that involve jumping. It can also happen from falling from a height or stepping into a hole.