Achilles Tendon Repair

Struggling with severe heel pain or a sudden “pop” in the back of your leg? A torn Achilles tendon can make even simple activities—like walking to the kitchen or climbing stairs—painful and frustrating. At Eastside Podiatry PLLC in St. Clair Shores and Fraser, Michigan, our board-certified foot and ankle surgeons are here to help you get back on your feet with minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair. Whether you’re an athlete eager to return to the game or simply want to walk without pain, we’ll guide you through a safe, effective recovery plan tailored to you.

Achilles Tendon Repair Q & A

What is Achilles tendon repair?

Achilles tendon repair is a surgery that helps fix a torn or severely damaged tendon—the cord that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Because this tendon makes walking, running, and even standing on your toes possible, an injury can feel like your mobility has been taken away. The goal of repair is simple: restore your strength, movement, and independence.

Achilles tendon ruptures occur for many reasons. Sometimes, they’re the result of strenuous physical activity, such as changing your training regimen. Other times, they occur as a result of natural deterioration, known as tendinopathy. Prior to an Achilles tendon rupture, it’s normal to experience pain, swelling, and general discomfort at the back of the heel.

Why would I need Achilles tendon repair?

You may need Achilles tendon repair if your injury is too severe for rest, ice, or physical therapy alone. While many minor tendon injuries heal with conservative care, a complete rupture often requires surgery to restore full function. If your pain keeps you from walking normally, or if you’ve lost strength in your leg, surgery can be the step that helps you return to an active lifestyle.

Occasionally, the providers at Eastside Podiatry PLLC recommend Achilles tendon repair to address tendinopathy or tendonitis, but usually this is a last resort. Oftentimes, physical therapy and over-the-counter pain medications are enough to provide relief.

What happens during Achilles tendon repair?

Achilles tendon repair is usually done as an outpatient procedure—you’ll go home the same day. Our surgeons use advanced, minimally invasive techniques designed to reduce pain and shorten recovery time. During surgery, the torn tendon is carefully repaired or, in more severe cases, replaced with healthy tissue. Before your procedure, we’ll walk you through each step so you know exactly what to expect and feel confident in your care.

During your operation, your Eastside Podiatry PLLC provider makes an incision at the back of your calf. If you have a ruptured tendon, your surgeon carefully sews it back together. If you have a damaged or deteriorating tendon, your surgeon removes the damaged portion of your tendon and stitches the healthy pieces together. If you have severe tendon damage, your surgeon removes the tendon altogether and replaces it with a tendon from another part of your foot.

No two Achilles tendon repair surgeries are exactly alike. Prior to your operation, your surgeon walks you through the entire process so you know what to expect. Depending on the type of operation you have, your provider might also recommend platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections following surgery to speed up your recovery process.

You don’t have to let Achilles pain control your life. With the right treatment, you can get back to walking, working, and enjoying the activities you love—without constant discomfort. Call Eastside Podiatry PLLC today or schedule online to take the first step toward healing.

Faq...

When is Achilles tendon surgery necessary?

Surgery is typically recommended for:

– Complete or severe tendon ruptures
– Chronic tendinopathy not responding to conservative care
– Athletes or active individuals needing faster recovery
– Recurrent tendon injuries

How is the surgery performed?

The surgeon makes a small incision to access the tendon. Depending on the injury, the tendon is either stitched back together or replaced using a graft from another tendon in your body. Minimally invasive techniques may be used to reduce recovery time.

How long is the recovery after Achilles tendon surgery?

Recovery typically takes 6 to 9 months, including:

– 2–6 weeks in a cast or boot
– Physical therapy starting after immobilization
– Gradual return to walking, then sports or high-impact activities

What happens if a torn Achilles tendon is left untreated?

Without treatment, a torn tendon may not heal properly, leading to chronic pain, weakness, and difficulty walking. Delayed treatment can also increase the risk of long-term disability.