Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery & Achilles Tendon Lengthening
To help you better understand your treatment options, the specialists at Orthopedic Institute of North Texas provide comprehensive care for Achilles tendon injuries ranging from chronic tendinopathy to complete tendon ruptures.
Achilles tendon injuries can cause significant pain, weakness, and limitations in daily activities or sports participation. Treatment recommendations depend on the severity of the injury, your activity level, and your recovery goals.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. It connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and plays a critical role in walking, running, jumping, and pushing off the foot.
Because the Achilles tendon experiences substantial forces during activity, it is vulnerable to injury, particularly in athletes and active adults.
Common Achilles tendon conditions include:
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Achilles tendonitis
- Partial Achilles tendon tears
- Complete Achilles tendon ruptures
- Tight or shortened Achilles tendons
Achilles Tendon Disorders and Treatment Options
Achilles tendon injuries generally fall into two categories.
Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy develops gradually over time due to degeneration or repetitive stress within the tendon. Patients often experience:
- Pain in the back of the heel
- Morning stiffness
- Swelling along the tendon
- Increased discomfort with activity
Achilles Tendon Rupture
An Achilles tendon rupture occurs when the tendon tears completely. Many patients describe feeling or hearing a sudden "pop" in the back of the ankle followed by:
- Difficulty walking
- Loss of push-off strength
- Swelling and bruising
- Inability to stand on tiptoe
Non-Surgical Treatment for Achilles Tendon Injuries
Many Achilles tendon conditions can be treated without surgery.
Conservative treatment options may include:
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Stretching and strengthening programs
- Walking boot immobilization
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Orthotics or bracing
- Biologic treatments such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) when appropriate
For acute Achilles tendon ruptures, some patients may be candidates for non-operative treatment using functional rehabilitation protocols.
When Is Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery Recommended?
Achilles tendon repair surgery may be recommended for:
- Complete Achilles tendon ruptures
- Active individuals wishing to return to sports
- Patients with significant weakness or loss of function
- Chronic Achilles tears
- Patients who have not improved with non-surgical treatment
Your surgeon will evaluate your injury and discuss the advantages and limitations of both surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
How Is an Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery Performed?
During Achilles tendon repair surgery, the torn ends of the tendon are carefully reapproximated and secured using strong sutures.
Depending on the severity of the injury, the procedure may also involve:
- Tendon reinforcement
- Tendon transfer procedures
- Repair of chronic tears
- Reattachment of the tendon to the heel bone
The specific surgical technique is determined by the location and extent of the injury.
Recovery After Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery
Recovery occurs gradually and is guided by a structured rehabilitation program.
Although recovery timelines vary, treatment often includes:
- Initial protection in a splint or boot
- Progressive weight-bearing
- Physical therapy
- Strength restoration
- Gradual return to activity
Many patients are able to return to recreational activities and sports following successful surgical repair and rehabilitation.
Risks and Complications of Achilles Tendon Repair
As with any surgical procedure, potential risks may include:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve injury
- Blood clots
- Delayed wound healing
- Re-rupture of the tendon
Your surgeon will discuss these risks in detail before surgery.
Achilles Tendon Lengthening (Tenotomy)
Achilles tendon lengthening, also known as an Achilles tenotomy, is a procedure used to increase flexibility and improve ankle motion when the tendon has become abnormally tight or shortened.
This procedure may be recommended for conditions such as:
- Clubfoot
- Contractures
- Neuromuscular conditions
- Equinus deformity
How Is Achilles Tendon Lengthening Performed?
During an Achilles tenotomy, the surgeon carefully lengthens the tendon to improve ankle flexibility and restore a more normal range of motion.
Depending on the condition being treated, the procedure may be performed through a small incision or an open approach.
Following surgery, immobilization and physical therapy are commonly used to support healing and improve function.
Meet Our Foot & Ankle Specialists
The foot and ankle specialists at Orthopedic Institute of North Texas provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for Achilles tendon injuries, from chronic tendinopathy to complete tendon ruptures.
Our team includes:
Treatment plans are individualized based on each patient's symptoms, activity level, and goals for recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a torn Achilles tendon heal without surgery?
Some Achilles tendon ruptures can be treated successfully without surgery using immobilization and structured rehabilitation. The best treatment depends on the patient's age, activity level, and goals.
How do I know if I ruptured my Achilles tendon?
Many patients report hearing or feeling a sudden pop in the back of the ankle, followed by pain, swelling, weakness, and difficulty walking.
How long does recovery take after Achilles tendon repair surgery?
Recovery timelines vary, but rehabilitation typically occurs over several months and includes progressive strengthening and return-to-activity protocols.
What type of doctor treats Achilles tendon injuries?
Orthopedic foot and ankle specialists diagnose and treat Achilles tendon conditions, including tendonitis, tendinopathy, partial tears, and complete ruptures.
Schedule an Appointment
If you are experiencing Achilles tendon pain, stiffness, weakness, or believe you may have suffered an Achilles tendon rupture, schedule an evaluation with the foot and ankle specialists at Orthopedic Institute of North Texas.