Achilles Rupture

In the Pacific Northwest, we’re spoiled with natural beauty and an active lifestyle—whether it’s weekend hikes in the Cascades, pick-up basketball at Green Lake, or pickleball in the local park. But for all its perks, this active culture also comes with risk—especially when it comes to your Achilles tendon.

The Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscle to your heel, is critical for walking, running, and jumping. A sudden pop or sharp pain in the back of your ankle can be a sign of a rupture—an injury we see often in recreational athletes over 30, especially those who “go hard” on the weekends.

Common causes in the Seattle area?
– Pivoting too fast in a weekend soccer league in Capitol Hill
– Sprinting to return a serve at a Bainbridge pickleball court
– Jumping between rocks along Rattlesnake Ledge

A rupture often doesn’t require a dramatic fall—it can happen just by pushing off awkwardly. And the worst part? Many patients try to "walk it off," delaying care and potentially complicating recovery.

What should you do?
If you feel a pop, have trouble pushing off your foot, or can’t rise onto your toes—don’t wait. Early diagnosis and treatment can dramatically improve your outcome.

That’s where Ortho Compass comes in. We make it easy to get connected with a local orthopedic surgeon—fast. No long referral delays, no bouncing between clinics. Just snap a photo of your injury or upload your imaging, and we’ll match you with a specialist who’s ready to help.

Because when the PNW inspires you to move, we want to help you keep moving—safely.

Injured your Achilles? Upload your X-ray or MRI report at www.Ortho-Compass.com and get matched with a Seattle-based orthopedic surgeon today.