The Achilles Tendon (AT) is a strong fibrous band of tissue in the lower back of your leg connecting your calf muscle to your heel. It is part of the mechanism that pulls your foot down. This in turn helps you walk, run, and even jump.
The most common type of injury to the AT is tendonitis or rupture. Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon, normally in this case because of over or prolonged exertion.
Treatment for tendonitis can range from rest & anti-inflammatories to exercise & orthotic devices. If in any doubt about the severity of your injury or the treatment required, you should attend your GP or Chartered Physiotherapist.
AT ruptures are more severe. These can be caused by trauma, severe tendonitis or by sudden stress on the AT. Examples of this are falling from a height, stepping into a hole or increased intensity of sports activity that utilises the AT.
Procedure:
The preferred treatment of a ruptured AT is surgical repair. This involves suturing the two torn ends of the tendon together and allowing them to knit back together over several weeks.
After Your Surgery:
You will have dressings and a cast on your leg after the surgery. You will be mobilised by the physiotherapist after your surgery.
You will be shown how to use a frame or crutches while in hospital after your surgery. It is recommended that you plan for not being as mobile as you were prior to the surgery for the first few weeks during your recovery.
You will not be able to put any weight on the foot for a number of weeks to allow the repair to take and avoid failure of the surgery.
Please speak to your consultant regarding any specific questions or queries you have about this surgery and the rehabilitation afterwards. Please also read the Patient Information Booklet on Knee Replacement Surgery available from your consultant or directly from the hospital.
