Laurel's leg - the details

So the tendon that was ruptured was the plantaris tendon. According to my anatomy book the plantaris is "generally a small feeble muscle.... [which] may be absent." The tendon of this muscle attaches to the Achilles tendon and assists in knee flexion and plantar flexion. It doesn't do anything on its own, which is why I was able to move my foot right after it happened. I'm much happier to lose use of an "optional" muscle than one I actually depend on for movement, that's for sure. The pain has subsided greatly, and I haven't had to hit the Vicodin yet. All in all this turned out way better than it could have, because if it had been the Achilles tendon it would have had to be surgically reattached. The follow-up visit to the doctor is Tuesday afternoon.