Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery
We perform this surgery to fix a damaged Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord in the lower leg. It connects the muscles of your calf to your heel. It’s the largest tendon in your body. It helps you walk, run, and jump.
Conditions
In some cases, your Achilles tendon can tear, or rupture. This is usually due to a sudden, strong force. It can happen during tough physical activity. It can also happen if you suddenly move faster or pivot on your foot. Having a foot that turns outward too much can increase your risk of a torn tendon. A ruptured Achilles tendon can cause pain and swelling near your heel. You may not be able to bend your foot downwards.
Your Achilles tendon can also degenerate. This is known as tendinosis or tendinopathy and is often followed by inflammation known as tendonitis. You may experience symptoms such as pain or stiffness along your Achilles tendon and on the back of your heel. This is most often due to overuse and repetitive stress to the tendon. Having short calf muscles can increase your risk of tendinopathy.
Depending on the problem you are having with your Achilles tendon, surgery might be the solution for you.
Surgery
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. We may use a special scope with a tiny camera and a light to help do the repair.
Depending on your condition, the procedure may differ:
- During the surgery, we will make an incision in the back of the calf.
- If the tendon is ruptured, we will stitch the tendon back together.
- If the tendon degenerates, we may remove the damaged part of the tendon and repair the rest of the tendon with stitches.
- If there is severe damage to most of the tendon, we might replace part or all of your Achilles tendon. This is done with a tendon taken from another area of your foot.
- We may also give you spinal anesthesia. This is so you won’t feel anything from your waist down. Sedation is also an option to help you sleep through the surgery.