A Complete Guide to Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery

An Achilles’ tendon repair is a type of surgery to fix a damaged Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is a strong and fibrous cord in the lower leg, which connects the muscles of your calf to the heel. It is the largest tendon in your body and helps you run, walk and jump. Sometimes, the tendon can rupture or tear due to sudden but strong force, this mostly occurs during strenuous physical activity. When you move faster or pivot on your foot, it can turn outward too much and increase the risk of a torn tendon. A ruptured Achilles tendon can be painful and cause swelling near your heel. You may not be able to bend your affected foot downward.

If not treated in time, a ruptured Achilles tendon can also degenerate. This is known as tendonitis or tendinopathy. Some of the symptoms include pain and stiffness on your Achilles heel and the back of your foot. Repeated stress on the tendon or foot can also increase the pain. Therefore, it is essential to opt for surgery in order to avoid any long-lasting damage. Achilles’ tendon repair in Houston is very well-known. Having the surgery from a reputed center would decrease any kind of risks and help you get back on your feet sooner.

When Should You opt for Achilles Tendon Repair Treatments?

You should choose surgery when you have a torn your Achilles tendon. However, in some cases, your healthcare provider might want to treat it externally first. These include pain medication and using a temporary cast in order to prevent your leg from making any sudden movements. Apart from that, your healthcare provider might also say no to surgery if you have any medical conditions that might increase the risks. Some of them are neuropathy in the legs and diabetes. There are many centers for Achilles’ tendon repair in Houston.

If you have tendinopathy, it is really important to get Achilles tendon repair surgery done as soon as possible. Although there are other treatments to cure tendinopathy, most of the time, surgery is the faster option. Some of these treatments include resting your foot, using ice and pain medicines, and using a brace or other device to stop your foot from moving. Apart from that, physical therapy is also helpful. After a few months, if the result are not good, your doctor might recommend your surgery. Make sure to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of the surgery.

What are the Risks of Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery?

Every surgery has certain risks. In the case of Achilles tendon repair surgery, they are as follows.

• Nerve damage
• Infections
• Blood clot
• Excess bleeding
• Complications from anesthesia
• Calf weakness
• Continued pain in your foot and ankle
• Wound healing problems

The risks vary according to your age, your general health, the shape of your foot and leg muscles and tendons, and the type of surgery done.

Final Take

We stand on our feet for most of the day. Therefore, it should not be hard to consult a podiatrist now and then. A torn Achilles tendon can hamper your daily life. Therefore, it is essential to get it treated as soon as possible.