14 Signs Your Achilles Tendon is About to Rupture

2. Not Passing the Thompson Test

If you feel you may have ruptured your Achilles tendon and are seeing a doctor, you may not have to worry about having an Xray or an MRI. There is a test for Achilles tendon rupture that is nearly foolproof and it involves a simple manipulation of the area. The patient lies on his or her stomach with the feet at the end of the table. The doctor or physical therapist will squeeze the back of the calf, specifically, a group of muscles called the soleus complex.

When this happens in normal situations, the Achilles tendon tenses up and causes a bending movement. If this does not happen, since it is a natural reflex, it indicates that the Achilles tendon has been ruptured or detached from the muscle or bone. The doctor can suggest a course of treatment that includes rest and physical therapy.