The Achilles tendon plays an essential role in your daily movements, facilitating activities like running, jumping, and even just walking. This tendon connects the heel bones to the calf muscles, allowing you to lift your heels and push up on your toes with ease. However, when faced with a ruptured or torn Achilles tendon, surgical intervention may be necessary to restore functionality and reduce the risk of re-rupture. An Achilles tendon rupture can occur during activities that involve sudden, forceful movements, or it may happen from chronic wear and tear. After such an injury, surgical options are required to reattach the torn ends of the tendon. The two primary options are open surgery and percutaneous surgery. Open surgery involves a single large incision at the back of the leg, while percutaneous surgery utilizes several smaller incisions. Surgeons may opt to wait a week post- injury to allow swelling to decrease before proceeding with either approach. In both cases, the surgeon sews the tendon back together through the incisions. Rehabilitation from Achilles tendon surgery is likely to take between six and nine months. For more information about managing an Achilles tendon rupture, it is suggested that you make an appointment with a podiatrist. 

Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns, contact one of our podiatrists of Eastern Carolina Foot & Ankle Specialists. Our doctors can provide the care you need to keep you pain-free and on your feet.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can create immense difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common injuries are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Inflammation
• Dull to severe pain
• Increased blood flow to the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

• Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
• Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

• Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
• Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office located in Greenville, NC . We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.