How Long Is Recovery After Achilles Tendon Repair?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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If you sit at work, you may be able to go back in

1 to 2 weeks

. But if you are on your feet at work, it may take 6 to 8 weeks. If you are very physically active in your job, it may take 3 to 6 months.

How long does it take for Achilles tendon repair to heal?

Depending on the type of work, some people need several weeks off work after an Achilles tendon tear (rupture); the time taken to return to sport is between 4 and 12 months. Generally, the outlook is good. However, the tendon does take time to heal, usually about

six to eight weeks

.

How long does the pain last after Achilles tendon surgery?

Pain: Moderate-severe pain should decrease within a couple of weeks following the operation, however some amount of pain is common and at times can persist for

3-6 months

. Ankle stiffness: Will improve with rehabilitation exercises and resuming activity.

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 will it take to walk normally after Achilles tendon 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 long after Achilles surgery can I return to work?

How soon you can return to your work depends on your job.

If you sit at work, you may be able to go back in 1 to 2 weeks

. But if you are on your feet at work, it may take 6 to 8 weeks. If you are very physically active in your job, it may take 3 to 6 months.

Is tendon repair surgery painful?

Anesthesia (pain medication) is used during tendon repair to prevent the patient from feeling pain during the surgery. The types of anesthesia are: Local anesthesia. The area where the surgery is to be performed is numbed and

pain-free

.

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.

How do you sleep after Achilles surgery?

Put an ice pack on the area right after you injure it.

Use pillows to raise your leg above the level of your heart when you sleep

. Keep your foot elevated when you are sitting.

When can you sleep without boot after Achilles surgery?

After

2 – 8 Weeks

Post Operatively

At all other times, boot must remain on including for sleep.

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.

When should I start physical therapy after Achilles surgery?

Slowly increase passive range of motion and stretch on the Achilles after

6 weeks

. Proprioception exercises, intrinsic muscle strengthening, PNF patterns for hip and knee (not to Achilles). At 6 weeks, okay to add stationary cycling with heel push only.

Do you need physical therapy after Achilles surgery?


You may benefit from physical therapy (PT) for an Achilles tendon rupture

. The goals of PT after an Achilles tendon tear are to restore normal range of motion (ROM) and strength to your foot and ankle and to improve your overall pain-free functional mobility.

How long does it take to recover from ankle tendon surgery?

Recovery from surgical repair of your peroneal tendon typically takes

about four months

. Your ankle will feel weak when it comes out of the cast and it is important to perform gentle range of motion exercises three or four times a day for three or four weeks after your cast is removed.

Do tendons get stronger after injury?

Tendons and Ligaments Degrade Slightly from Intensive Training, Just Like Muscle Fibers Do. It’s been shown that

tendon and ligaments degrade slightly as a result of training and then regenerate to regain homeostasis and strengthen slightly during the recovery period

(see Figure below).

How can I speed up tendon healing after surgery?

  1. Stretching and flexibility exercises to help the tendon heal completely and avoid long-term pain.
  2. Strengthening exercises to help you rebuild tendon strength and avoid future injuries.
  3. Ultrasound heat therapy to improve blood circulation, which may aid the healing process.

What is the success rate of Achilles tendon surgery?

RESULTS: We identified 62 studies published between 1964 and 2014 reporting on a total of 2923 surgically treated Achilles tendinopathies. The average follow-up time was 40 mo (range 5-204 mo), and the mean reported success rate was

83.5%

(range 36%-100%).

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.