First, there's a pop or a snap. Then an immediate sharp pain in the back of your ankle and lower leg that makes it impossible to walk properly. It almost feels like you've been kicked, or even shot.

These are the sensations typical of an Achilles tendon rupture. The Achilles tendon is a large, strong fibrous cord that connects the muscles in the back of your lower leg to your heel bone.

If you overstretch your Achilles tendon, it can tear (rupture). An Achilles tendon rupture can be partial or complete. Usually an Achilles tendon rupture occurs just above your heel bone, but it can happen anywhere along the tendon.

Although other injuries affecting your Achilles tendon often improve with home treatment, an Achilles tendon rupture often requires surgical repair.