Achilles Tendon Rupture Specialists

Achilles Tendon Rupture (Tear) Treatment

This guide aims to provide comprehensive insights into the nature of an Achilles tendon rupture, its causes, symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and possible treatments to help you manage and overcome this challenging injury. Let’s dive into some common questions about this condition.

Q: What is the Achilles tendon and why is it important?

A: The Achilles tendon is formed by the combination of the two calf muscles: the gastrocnemius and the soleus. It is the largest and strongest tendon in your body, crucial for walking, running, and jumping.

Q: How does an Achilles tendon rupture happen?

A: An Achilles tendon rupture typically occurs when there is an abrupt increase of stress on the tendon that exceeds its capacity. This often happens during quick, strenuous activities like sports, running, sudden steps, or falls.

Q: What does it feel like to have an Achilles tendon rupture?

A: Patients often feel like something bit them on the back of the leg or like they were kicked in the calf at the time of injury. You may also recall a popping or snapping sensation at the back of your leg, followed by pain, discomfort, and difficulty walking or performing activities.

Q: How is an Achilles tendon rupture diagnosed?

A: Diagnosis starts with a thorough clinical evaluation and standard X-rays to rule out other issues. An MRI scan may be recommended to understand the extent of the tear better.

Q: What are the symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture?

A: The main symptoms include pain, discomfort, the inability to walk normally, and the incapacity to flex your foot downwards to the floor.

Q: What are the types of Achilles tendon surgeries are performed?

A: For acute (recent) Achilles Tendon Ruptures/Tears, surgical options are typically divided into “Open” and “Minimally Invasive or Percutaneous” procedures. There are pros and cons to each type of surgery. Classically, Open procedures have always performed. This includes making an incision over the Rupture site and directly repairing the two ends of the tendon back to each other. This affords us great visualization and access for a precise and strong repair.

Q: What does a minimally invasive procedure mean?

A: More recently, there has been a trend towards more Minimally Invasive Procedures. These procedures entail making very small incisions around the Rupture and utilizing specialized instruments to facilitate the repair of the two tendon ends. Benefits typically include a quicker recovery time, less post-operative pain, smaller scars, and lower chance of wound complications.

Q: What to expect after an Achilles Tendon Rupture surgery?

A: Achilles Tendon Ruptures or Tears entails a period of non-weight bearing activity directly after surgery. Patients usually start with a splint for approximately 2 weeks. Once sutures are removed, a walking boot is applied. Patients typically start weight bearing activity 2-5 weeks after surgery is performed. Physical therapy is a vital component to patient’s recovery. This helps to regain strength, flexibility, and function of the Achilles tendon. Activity usually starts with gentle range-of-motion exercises, progressing to strengthening and balance activities over several months. Most patients can expect to return to normal activities within 4-6 months, although it may take longer for full recovery and return to high-impact sports.

Q: What are the symptoms that may signal that this type of surgery is needed?

A: Most patients typically sustain an Achilles injury during activities such as tennis, pickleball, running, jumping, and other sport or impact related quick movements. Patients typically report a “pop” in the back of their ankle area with sudden, severe pain. After the injury occurs, there is associated swelling, bruising and notable weakness with weight bearing activity. Patients may feel a palpable gap on the back of the ankle where the Achilles Tendon is. There may also be instability or difficulty walking or standing.

Q: What should I do if I suspect I have an Achilles tendon rupture?

A: If you suspect an Achilles tendon rupture, it’s essential to seek medical attention promptly. Your specialist will review your condition and present you with options to get you back on your feet.

If you have any further questions or need assistance, feel free to contact us at Florida Foot and Ankle Specialists. We’re here to help you every step of the way!