Achilles Tendon Repair
Achilles Tendon Repair
Achilles Tendon Repair Q & A
What is Achilles tendon repair?
Achilles tendon repair is a type of surgery designed to repair a damaged or ruptured Achilles tendon. Your Achilles tendon is a strong, thick cord of tissue that connects the muscles in your calf to your heel. It’s the largest tendon in your body and plays an important role in your ability to walk, run, and jump.
Achilles tendon ruptures occur for many reasons. Sometimes, they’re the result of strenuous physical activity, such as changing your training regimen. Other times, they occur as a result of natural deterioration, known as tendinopathy. Prior to an Achilles tendon rupture, it’s normal to experience pain, swelling, and general discomfort at the back of the heel.
Why would I need Achilles tendon repair?
You might need Achilles tendon repair surgery if you tear or rupture your Achilles tendon. If you experience a minor Achilles tendon-related injury, your doctor might recommend conservative measures of care such as ice, rest, or splinting. However, if the pain persists or you experience affected mobility, surgery may be necessary.
Occasionally, the providers at Eastside Podiatry PLLC recommend Achilles tendon repair to address tendinopathy or tendonitis, but usually this is a last resort. Oftentimes, physical therapy and over-the-counter pain medications are enough to provide relief.
What happens during Achilles tendon repair?
The team at Eastside Podiatry PLLC usually performs Achilles tendon repair as an outpatient procedure, meaning you return home on the same day of your operation. You’re placed under general anesthesia, so you’ll need a friend or family member to drive you home afterward.
During your operation, your Eastside Podiatry PLLC provider makes an incision at the back of your calf. If you have a ruptured tendon, your surgeon carefully sews it back together. If you have a damaged or deteriorating tendon, your surgeon removes the damaged portion of your tendon and stitches the healthy pieces together. If you have severe tendon damage, your surgeon removes the tendon altogether and replaces it with a tendon from another part of your foot.
No two Achilles tendon repair surgeries are exactly alike. Prior to your operation, your surgeon walks you through the entire process so you know what to expect. Depending on the type of operation you have, your provider might also recommend platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections following surgery to speed up your recovery process.
Don’t let problems with your Achilles tendon prevent you from living a healthy, active lifestyle. To request your appointment at Eastside Podiatry PLLC today call the office or click the online scheduling tool.