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.
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.
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: