The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body. It connects your calf muscles to the heel bone. Although it is one of the strongest tendons in the body, it is still vulnerable to injuries, especially amongst athletes or individuals partaking in repetitive physical activity. In some instances, significant injuries (or chronic pain to the Achilles tendon) may require Achilles tendon surgery to return you to normal function and relieve pain.
Deniel Foot and Ankle Center specializes in complicated or specialized treatments for Achilles tendon and heel pain, and provides surgical and non-surgical treatments to ensure the quickest and safest recovery possible. If you are getting ready for Achilles tendon surgery, or want to learn more about what to expect in the context of recovery, this article should answer all your questions.
Understanding Achilles Tendon Surgery
Surgeons will typically recommend surgery for a torn Achilles tendon if there is a partial or complete rupture of the tendon, or if nonsurgical management such as physical therapy, medication, or orthotics have not yielded satisfactory results for the patient in terms of alleviating their pain. Chronic injuries, degeneration of the tendon, and chronic debilitating pain in cases of the Achilles tendon pain that limits normal activities usually lead to surgery as the recommended treatment.
In the case of an Achilles tendon injury, surgery involves either a repair or reconstruction of the tendon injury depending on the severity of the injury. Different types of repair/reconstructive surgery include:
– An open surgery, which uses a big incision on the back of the leg and repairs the tendon directly.
– A minimally invasive surgery, which uses small incisions and special instruments to repair the tendon; this type has the advantage of the best recovery time and resulting scars are not that severe.
Your podiatrist or foot and ankle surgeon at Deniel Foot and Ankle Center will determine your best choice for treatment based on your particular case.
When Is Achilles Tendon Surgery Necessary?
Not all cases of Achilles tendon and heel pain will require surgery. In many situations patients can feel relief of their pain through conservative restorative treatments like rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. However, Achilles tendon surgery may be necessary in the following situations:
The tendon is completely torn or ruptured.
Non-surgical treatments are unsuccessful after 6-12 months.
You continue to experience swelling, weakness, and/or problems with walking.
You have severe pain from an injured Achilles tendon that interferes with normal activities.
For patients with chronic heel conditions such as treatment for heel spurs, Achilles tendon surgery may be performed in combination with a treatment that will help the entire foot health.
Preparing for Achilles Tendon Surgery
Before surgery, your specialist will take you through a medical history, and do some imaging tests such as an x-ray or MRI to assess the tendon damage. At Deniel Foot and Ankle Center, we ensure that every patient receives a specific care plan tailored to them.
Here’s how you should prepare for surgery:
Medical Evaluation: Provide your full medical history and current medications.
Lifestyle Changes: If you smoke, you may be required to stop smoking, as it slows healing.
Home Environment: Get your home ready for recovery once you return from surgery. Put handrails where needed, keep things within reach, and prepare for limited mobility.
Pre-Op Directions: Your doctor may require you to fast for the procedure, or make adjustments to your current medications.
Being prepared for surgery can help reduce anxiety and recover quicker.
What Happens During Achilles Tendon Surgery?
The surgery will last for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, if done under general or regional anesthesia. Ultimately, how long the surgery takes will depend on how badly the tendon has been damaged.
Here is what happens during the procedure:
A cut is made in the back of your ankle.
If the tendon is torn or damaged, it is sewn back together. Sometimes a graft will be used if the tendon is really degenerated.
If bone spurs are also involved, then your surgeon may also perform a heel spur treatment to remove other sources of pain.
The cut is then closed up, and your foot is placed in a boot or cast to limit movement while you are in the initial stages of healing.
What to Expect After Achilles Tendon Surgery
Initial Recovery (first 2 weeks):
Post-operative, your foot will wither be in a splint or cast and you’ll likely be on crutches so that you don’t put any weight on your foot. Expect some level of discomfort, swelling, and pain in the injuries Achilles tendon during this state. Your physician likely will have or will provide pain medication, likely will want you to keep your foot elevated and will allow you ice packs for swelling.
Transition (Weeks 2-6):
With recovery, you may move from a cast to a walking boot which allows for mobility but still protects your tendon. You may be beginning gentle range-of-motion exercises during this phase; these would be supervised by your physical therapy.
Physical therapy (Weeks 6-12):
Physical therapy is a key phase of your recovery. Physical therapy will help you regain some level of strength, flexibility, and balance to the tendon. You will slowly increase stretching/strengthening exercises during this time so that you can return to normal function.
Fully Recovery (3-6 months):
Most patients can resume normal activities, including sports, within 4-6 months after surgery. However, everyone’s timeline may vary based upon the severity of the injury, age, and overall health of the patient.
Pro tip: Even after complete recovery, it is crucial to have appropriate shoes and routines of stretching to minimize a potential re-occurrence of Achilles tendon or heel pain.
Risks and Complications
Achilles tendon surgery has risks, like any surgical procedure, but they are fairly uncommon when performed by an experienced foot and ankle surgeon. Possible complications include:
Infection or delayed wound healing
Deep vein clots
Stiffness or decreased motion
Re-rupture of the tendon
At Deniel Foot and Ankle Center, we utilize advanced procedures along with detailed post-operative instructions to minimize any risks.
Achilles Tendon Surgery vs. Non-Surgical Options
Sometimes (for some patients), surgery is not the first course of action. Non-surgical treatment options may include:
Physical therapy and stretching
Orthotic inserts to align your foot properly
Anti-inflammatory medication
Shockwave therapy for chronic tendonitis
Treating heel spurs if heel pain is involved
Ultimately, if conservative options are ineffective, your doctor will most likely recommend surgery as your best long-term option for treating Achilles tendon pain.
How to Prevent Achilles Tendon Injuries
As with every injury, prevention is always better to manage. Here are some strategies to consider to help reduce the likelihood of injuries that will eventually result in Achilles tendon surgery:
Properly warm up before exercise or activity or sports.
Use shoes that are supportive and have cushioning in the heel and arch.
Increase activity levels over time and not suddenly with high repetition.
Stretch your calves. This will keep your calves and Achilles tendon flexible.
Seek medical attention for Achilles tendon pain and heel pain sooner than later so it does not develop into a more serious injury.
Why Choose Deniel Foot and Ankle Center?
We want to help you treat any condition associated with your foot or ankle, including severe tendon injuries. This is why our patients choose us:
Experience: Our fellowship-trained specialists offer advanced foot and ankle surgery.
Comprehensive Care: We offer a complete continuum of care from diagnosis through post-surgical rehabilitation.
Cutting-edge Technology: We utilize cutting-edge surgical equipment and minimally invasive techniques.
Tailored Treatment: Each patient receives a tailored treatment plan, including for heel spurs and tendon injuries.
Conclusion
Achilles tendon surgery is frequently the best option for patients who have a severe tendon rupture or chronic Achilles tendon pain that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments. Understanding what to expect preoperatively and following surgery can help you feel more comfortable and prepared.
If you have been suffering from Achilles tendon and heel pain, why not take the opportunity to consider a solution? Don’t wait until your situation deteriorates any further. Come to Deniel Foot and Ankle Center and consult with one of our specialists. We’re happy to go through all your options and consider a treatment plan specific to you.
