During the surgery, an incision is made in the back of the calf. If the tendon is ruptured,
the surgeon will stitch the tendon back together
. If the tendon is degenerated, the surgeon may remove the damaged part of the tendon and repair the rest of the tendon with stitches.
Is Achilles tendon repair a major surgery?
This is done with a tendon taken from another place in your foot.
In some cases, the Achilles tendon repair surgery can be done as a minimally invasive procedure
. This is done with several small incisions instead of one large one. It may use a special scope with a tiny camera and a light to help do the repair.
How long do you stay in hospital after Achilles tendon surgery?
You will normally be able to leave the hospital or clinic within
three to four hours
after surgery. Make sure to have someone available to drive you home, as you will be unable to drive a car.
Does a ruptured Achilles tendon require surgery?
Surgery is the most common treatment for Achilles tendon rupture
. It reattaches the torn ends of the tendon and can be done with one large incision (open surgery) or many smaller incisions (percutaneous surgery). Non-surgical treatment starts with immobilizing your leg.
How soon can you walk after Achilles surgery?
You will need to wear a cast or a walking boot for
6 to 12 weeks
after surgery. At first, it may be set to keep your foot pointed downward as the tendon heals. You may be able to put weight on your affected leg after a few weeks. But it will be several months before you have complete use of your leg and ankle.
How painful is Achilles tendon surgery?
Achilles tendon surgery is an outpatient procedure usually lasting a few hours.
You may experience pain and discomfort in the days following your surgery
. Try to keep your leg elevated to reduce swelling. You may take pain medications as necessary.
What happens if you don’t repair torn tendons?
If left untreated, eventually it can result in other foot and leg problems, such as inflammation and pain in the ligaments in the soles of your foot (plantar faciitis), tendinitis in other parts of your foot, shin splints, pain in your ankles, knees and hips and, in severe cases, arthritis in your foot.
What are the 3 types of Achilles tendon surgeries called?
- Gastrocnemius recession—The orthopedic surgeon lengthens the calf muscles to reduce stress on the tendon.
- Debridement and repair—During this procedure, the surgeon removes the damaged part of the Achilles tendon and repairs the remaining tendon with sutures or stitches.
Do I have to sleep with my boot on after Achilles surgery?
Patients are required to wear the boot while sleeping
. Patients can remove the boot for bathing and dressing but are required to adhere to the weight-bearing restrictions according to the rehabilitation protocol.
Can an xray show a torn Achilles?
Can an X-ray Show a Torn Achilles Tendon?
An X-ray may show swelling of the soft tissues or another bone injury
, but an ultrasound is most commonly used to diagnose a tear and document its size. An MRI may also be needed.
What happens if you put weight on your foot after Achilles surgery?
Due to increased swelling
your foot may become a different color, usually purple or red, when you put your foot down up to 6-8 weeks after surgery
. This is usually accompanied with increase pain and the feeling of blood rushing to your foot.
Is Achilles tendon surgery difficult?
Surgery for Acute Achilles Tendon Tears
Surgery for an acute Achilles tendon tear is
seemingly straightforward
. The ends of the torn tendon are surgically exposed and sutures are used to tie the ends together.
How long does Achilles surgery take?
Waiting for surgical repair for longer than
one month
may lead to inferior functional results postoperatively. Non-operative treatment has higher re-rupture rates as compared to surgically repaired tendons, but may be the treatment of choice in some patients.
Are you awake during Achilles tendon surgery?
You may have spinal anesthesia. This is so you won’t feel anything from your waist down.
You’ll also likely be given sedation
. This will help you sleep through the surgery.
Can you drive after Achilles surgery?
After Achilles tendon repair,
your ability to drive will be delayed
. You will be allowed to drive after meeting several criteria. First, you must be weight bearing as tolerated with or without crutches. This ensures that, in the case of an emergency, you can remove yourself from the car safely.
Can you fully recover from a ruptured Achilles tendon?
Professional or weekend warrior, Achilles injuries don’t discriminate. And
they can often require a year or longer to fully recover
, including rehab.
What helps tendons heal faster?
Stretching and flexibility exercises
to help the tendon heal completely and avoid long-term pain. Strengthening exercises to help you rebuild tendon strength and avoid future injuries. Ultrasound heat therapy to improve blood circulation, which may aid the healing process.
What does a ruptured tendon feel like?
Tendon Tear Symptoms
A snap or pop at the affected area
. Severe and excruciating pain. Immediate bruising. Pain and discomfort that worsens with tendon use.
How do you prepare for ankle tendon surgery?
- Preparing your body. Pre-hab. …
- Reducing Swelling. To most effectively reduce swelling in your foot during the post-operative period you need to elevate your foot higher than your heart while lying flat for 20–30 minutes at a time. …
- Prepare your activities and meals. …
- Bathing. …
- Shoes.
How do you walk in a walking boot after Achilles surgery?
Once the cast is removed, If you’re healing is progressing, you’re given a walking boot that includes
a heel lift to prop your foot and ankle into the right position
. You still use crutches anytime you need to bear weight on your foot.
