Achilles Tendon Surgery
What is Achilles Tendon Surgery?
Achilles Tendon Surgery can refer to a number of procedures designed to resolve different Achilles Tendon problems and injuries.
The surgeries include:
- Achilles tendon repair (for acute tendon ruptures)
- Achilles tendon reconstruction (for chronic tendon ruptures)
- Heel cord lengthening (Gastrocnemius recession or Achilles tendon lengthening- for tight achilles tendons)
- Achilles Debridement and Repair (for tendinopathies)
Symptoms of Achilles Tendinopathy
Symptoms related to inflammation of the achilles tendon or surrounding structures include:
- Swelling, pain and tenderness at the back of the heel usually worse with running, jumping and especially during sports activities.
- Loss of strength with decreased movement of the ankle
- Muscle weakness or tenderness
- Difficulty standing on tiptoe or pushing off the foot while walking
- A popping or snapping sound may be heard when an Achilles Rupture occurs (end-stage tendinopathy)
Non Surgical Treatment for Achilles Tendon Problems
Non-operative treatment can be successfully used in the treatment of acute achilles tendon ruptures and tendinopathy cases. Treatment consists of functional bracing and rehabilitation programs that are devised in conjunction with your surgeon and a physiotherapist who will oversee your rehabilitation and recovery. Other non-surgical measures that may be considered for treatment of your tendinopathy include bracing, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and other medications to stimulate blood flow and promote healing to the tendinopathic region.
Surgical Treatment for Achilles Tendon Problems
In cases where either conservative non-surgical treatment has not resolved the problem or where a patient's best or only treatment option is surgery, your surgeon may recommend:
- Achilles Tendon Tear Repair - in acute cases for competitive athletes, those who perform heavy physical work and in re-rupture cases
- Achilles Tendon Tear Reconstruction- in chronic cases where an acute repair is not possible. Tendon transfers to supplement the achilles tendon are also carried out to optimise functional results.
- Achilles Tendon Debridement and Repair- in cases where non-surgical treatment has not resolved symptoms sufficiently. This involves debriding tendinopathic tissue, removing prominent bone spurs and reattaching the achilles tendon to bone.
Rehabilitation under the supervision of a physiotherapist is an essential part of the treatment following any of the aforementioned surgical procedures.
