Achilles tendon rupture? Let's learn exactly about the Thompson Test

Imagine that while you are playing sports, running, or jumping, you suddenly hear a 'click' sound behind your ankle and experience unbearable pain. This pain comes with a feeling as if someone has come and kicked you from behind. If something like this happens, there is a high chance that your Achilles tendon has torn. So, when you go to a doctor, the simplest and first test to find out if this is really a tear is the Thompson Test. Let's talk about this in detail today.

What is the Thompson Test?

Simply put, the Thompson test is a test where a doctor examines your body to determine if your Achilles tendon has ruptured. It is sometimes called the "calf squeeze test."

Now look, at the back of our leg, there's a strong, thick band that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone (calcaneus). That's what we call the Achilles tendon. It's this tendon that helps us bend our foot downward when we walk, run, and jump.

In the Thompson test, the doctor squeezes your calf muscle and looks to see if your heel moves. Normally, when you squeeze your calf muscle, the force is transmitted through the Achilles tendon to your heel, causing your foot to simply bend downward (plantar flexion). However, if the Achilles tendon is completely torn, there is no connection between the calf muscle and the heel, so the foot will not move when you squeeze the calf muscle. That's how the doctor diagnoses the condition.

How do you do this test?

This is a very simple test that can be done in a few minutes. It doesn't require any special equipment. You can do this in the room when you go to see your doctor.

Let's see how this happens step by step:

1. Lying down: First, you will be asked to lie down on your stomach on the examination bed. Your feet should be over the edge of the bed and your ankles should hang freely.

2. Calf Muscle Squeeze: Next, the doctor will gently but firmly squeeze the calf muscle of your injured leg.

3. Observe foot movement: Carefully observe whether your foot and heel move when you squeeze.

4. Checking the other leg: Usually, not only the injured leg, but also the healthy leg is checked in the same way. This makes it easier for the doctor to compare how much movement the healthy leg has with how much movement it has.

This test is not likely to cause you any more pain. However, if you experience any discomfort or pain, you should tell your doctor right away.

What do the results say?

This is not a test that gives a specific number as in a calculation. It gives a simple assessment like 'yes' or 'no'.

• Positive result: If your foot doesn't move when the doctor squeezes your Achilles tendon, it's considered a "positive" result. This means that there's a high chance that you have a torn Achilles tendon.
• Negative result: If your foot bends down normally when you squeeze your Achilles tendon, that's a "negative" result. This means that your Achilles tendon has not ruptured, according to this test.

But remember, the Thompson test is only a preliminary step. If this gives a positive result, further tests will need to be done to confirm it.

What happens after the test?

If the Thompson test suggests that you have a torn tendon, your doctor will refer you for imaging tests to confirm it.

The main ones are:

• Ultrasound Scan: This uses sound waves to create a clear image of the tendon and surrounding tissue. This can help determine where the tear is and how severe it is.
• MRI scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): This test provides even more detailed images. It can clearly see tendon tears, as well as other subtle injuries around them.

The results of these tests will determine what treatment you need. When the Achilles tendon ruptures, surgery is often required to repair it. In some cases, the leg can be healed without surgery, with a cast. Your doctor will make the best decision about this.

When should you see a doctor?

If you have any of the following symptoms, especially if they occur while playing sports, see a doctor immediately . If necessary, go to the nearest hospital emergency room (ETU).

• If you hear a 'click' or 'snap' sound behind your ankle.
• If you have a sudden, sharp, severe pain behind your ankle.
• If you have difficulty walking properly after the injury or if you cannot put your foot down.

Other tests to diagnose an Achilles tear

In addition to the Thompson test, there are several other simple physical tests a doctor can perform.

Regardless of the physical examination, an imaging test (ultrasound or MRI) is often required for final confirmation.

Achilles tendon rupture is a common injury, especially in athletes. The Thompson test is the first, simplest, safest, and most effective way to diagnose it. It takes time and dedication to recover from an injury like this. But this simple Thompson test can be the first step on your recovery journey.

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