Athletic Training Practice Exam

What is typically the first sign of a ruptured Achilles tendon?

1. Pain in the calf

2. Inability to plantar flex

3. Swelling around the ankle

4. Localized tenderness

The correct answer is: Inability to plantar flex

The inability to plantar flex is recognized as the first sign of a ruptured Achilles tendon because the Achilles tendon plays a crucial role in connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone, facilitating movements like pushing off the foot during walking and running. When the tendon ruptures, this connection is compromised, leading to an immediate inability to perform plantar flexion, which is the action of pointing the toes or pushing the foot downwards. Patients often report a sudden and significant loss of strength in the ankle, making this symptom an early and pronounced indicator of the injury. While pain in the calf, swelling around the ankle, and localized tenderness may occur following the rupture, they typically present as secondary symptoms rather than the initial sign. The most distinguishing and immediate characteristic of an Achilles tendon rupture is the loss of ability to perform the plantar flexion movement, highlighting the critical function of the tendon in normal gait mechanics and athletic movements.