The Achilles tendon is often overlooked until something goes wrong. This strong cord of fibrous tissue connects the muscles from the back of the calf to the heel bone in each leg, and it is used with every step you take. Achilles tendon tears are most seen in athletes—both professional and recreational—especially middle-aged “weekend warriors.”

But the injury can happen to anyone. Overstretching of the tendon from accidentally stepping into a hole or falling from a height can be enough to cause the Achilles to tear.

Achilles tendon tears are classified into two categories: partial and complete. A partial Achilles tendon tear means some tendon fibers have been damaged by injury. Still, the entirety of the tendon is not completely torn or separated from the undamaged portion.

A complete tear means the tendon has essentially torn in two. The degree of difference between a partial and complete Achilles tear is usually noticeable in symptom severity.

The healing timeline for an Achilles tendon tear depends mainly upon whether it is a partial or complete tear, the person’s age and their overall fitness or activity level before the injury. A partial tear to heal naturally can take between two to 12 weeks, and you may need to wear a splint or boot. Physical therapy is typically prescribed during the recovery time.

For complete tears, there are operative and nonoperative treatment options.

Achilles tendon surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, followed by several weeks in a walking boot or cast. Physical therapy is often initiated after surgery. Whether or not the tendon’s treatment was surgical, normal walking usually resumes in about three months. For those who play sports at an elite level, full recovery may range from six to 12 months.

The road to recovery is long because healing involves allowing the tendon to mend while restoring functional strength.

The simple answer is that it varies depending on the extent of the injury, and a qualified foot and ankle specialist should make the call. Though some will walk on a torn Achilles, they will likely have extreme difficulty pushing off from the foot that is injured.

Also, when an Achilles tendon ruptures due to a sudden injury, it can deliver the sensation of being kicked or hit in the back of the leg. That sensation can make it extremely difficult to walk on the injured leg, especially immediately after the injury has occurred.

The term "heal on its own" is a bit problematic in an Achilles tendon tear. While partial tears often "heal on their own," a physician should be consulted for diagnosis and guidance through rehabilitation. Similarly, complete tears or ruptures should be evaluated and managed by a physician. Whether nonoperative or operative treatment is selected for complete tears, a physician will provide guidance and management throughout the rehabilitation process.

Though the recovery timeline for healing from an Achilles tendon tear can seem daunting, many people make a full recovery and can return to playing the sports and living the lives they love. The quickest and safest way to that end is visiting a physician who has experience diagnosing and treating these injury types because they will help you get on the road to recovery.

Read more from our sports medicine series.