Achilles Tendon Repair Recovery: What to Expect

Achilles tendon surgery is typically a treatment option for tendon tears that can’t heal on their own. If you need surgery to repair a tendon damaged by overuse (i.e., sports) or acute trauma (i.e., an accident), it’s important to plan ahead for your recovery.

Adler Foot and Ankle specializes in tendon reconstruction surgery. Laura Adler, DPM, uses the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques to repair torn or ruptured tendons and help you regain full function in your lower leg.

Our highly trained podiatrists also offer personalized after-care plans to support your recovery after surgery. Here, we outline some factors to consider in advance of your procedure.

Why you need Achilles tendon surgery

Your Achilles tendon is a fibrous cord that connects your calf muscles to your heel. As the largest tendon in your body, it makes it possible for you to walk, jump, and run.

While strong, the Achilles tendon can tear or rupture during the kind of sudden movements required of sports and other intense activities. For instance, if you pivot too quickly and your foot turns outward, your Achilles tendon can tear — or pull completely away from your calf muscles or heel bone.

You may be a candidate for Achilles tendon reconstruction or repair surgery following an acute traumatic injury. Some people require this procedure because of degenerative changes in soft tissues that lead to tendonitis or tendinopathy.

What to expect during Achilles tendon surgery

During Achilles tendon surgery, Dr. Adler makes an incision in the back of your lower calf to access the damaged tendon. She may remove damaged tissue before she uses stitches to reattach the tendon to your calf and heel.

In some cases, Dr. Adler may need to use a graft of tissue taken from another part of your foot to reconstruct a severely damaged or degenerated tendon.

Depending on the severity of damage in your tendon, you may undergo minimally invasive surgery that requires smaller incisions. If damage is severe or a graft is needed, Dr. Adler can perform open surgery that involves longer incisions and more recovery time.

Expectations for recovery from tendon repair surgery

Minimally invasive tendon surgery is available on an outpatient basis. This means you can expect to go home soon after the procedure. Open surgery may require an overnight stay in the hospital. 

Our providers may recommend over-the-counter pain medicines or prescribe a stronger pain reliever to keep you comfortable. You can use an ice pack, too, and should keep your leg elevated to minimize swelling in the days after your procedure. We also teach you how to care for your incisions to prevent infection.

About a week after surgery, you return to our office for a check-up. Dr. Adler evaluates the healing progress of your incisions. She also provides guidance on when you can start putting weight on your treated leg. Many people can start using a walking boot about six to 12 weeks after surgery.

It can take several months before you regain full use of your lower leg. Physical therapy can help restrengthen the muscles in your calf, ankle, and foot, so you can return to your usual routine with confidence.

To learn more about the benefits of tendon reconstruction or repair surgery, schedule a consultation at your nearest Adler Foot and Ankle office in Hallandale or North Miami Beach, Florida, today.