If you feel pain in your upper calf muscles, chances are you have developed Achilles tendonitis. It is a common foot condition that occurs when the Achilles tendon (the largest tendon of the body that connects the upper calf muscles to the back of the heel bone) gets inflamed. It is quite common in athletes, runners, and people who have calf tightness. Luckily, it is treatable. Learnwhat surgical or non-surgical treatment options are availableto treat the Achilles tendon in this article. Get a consultation with the best Podiatrists in Brooklyn.
Achilles Tendon Repair: Non-Surgical Treatment Options
Typically, the first step to treat an Achilles tear is without surgery. Your doctor will put your foot in a downward position in the cast to increase the chances of a gap in the tendon healing correctly. A cast immobilizes your foot, and it is recommended to use crutches to take the pressure off of that foot. After several weeks, the cast is removed and walking boots need to be worn in its place. Generally, these boots lift your heel to lower the strain on the healing tendon.
Now, you can put weight on the affected leg, but gradually. Gentle mobility exercises may be started by your therapist during this time. After several weeks, your doctor may recommend getting normal shoes. During this period, initial calf strengthening and balance exercises are initiated. It is important to progress carefully with the guidance of a therapist to ensure the safety of the healing Achilles tendon.
Calf stretching may also be introduced after 12 weeks (about 3 months) or later, when you have enough strength in your calf muscles, and your doctor may clear you to start high-level activities like running or jumping. In total, this rehabilitation plan can take up to 6 months or more.
Besides that, to manage pain before and after casting removal, use RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) therapy along with over-the-counter pain medication to manage pain and promote healing. Sometimes steroid injections and shockwave therapy are used to manage Achilles tendon symptoms.
Achilles Tendon Repair: Surgical Options
To repair the Achilles tendon, doctors may use different types of surgery. However, these procedures mostly involve one of the following:
- Percutaneous repair:
This surgical repair is widely used because it is a minimally invasive option. During the procedure, your surgeon makes multiple punctures through the skin, where they weave a stitch through the tendon with a special tool. It reduces the need for a large opening, but the risk of injury to sural nerves occurs in 6.8% of surgeries.
- Open repair:
These surgeries are remarkably effective, but they are more prone to wound complications that may need a second surgery. In this surgical procedure, the doctor repairs your tendon by making a large opening. Your surgeon may use other techniques during the surgery, such as:
- Tendon transfer: A tendon transfer uses a working tendon of your foot to reinforce your Achilles.
- Tendon graft: A tendon graft helps to rebuild the tendon with tissue from your body, a donor, or with synthetic material.
- Gastrocnemius recession: The surgeon loosens your calf muscle fibers by making a separate incision to lower tension in your Achilles tendon.
- Achilles debridement: The surgeon can remove the damaged tissue from your tendon.
- Mini-open technique:
This is another minimally invasive option used to lower complications like infections and sural nerve injury. In this surgery, your surgeon makes a small incision over your tendon, about 1.5 inches long, and spreads the tissue underneath. They use special tools to stitch your tendons together. It not only lowers the risk of infection, but also overall complications compared to other options.
Rehab and recovery
When you start recovering, your provider will ask you to start moving your heels. This may happen as soon as 2 to 3 weeks or take as long as 6 weeks (about 1 and a half months) after your injury. With the help of physical therapy, most people can return to their daily activities in 4 to 6 months. In physical therapy, you learn different exercises that make your calf muscles stronger and your Achilles tendon more flexible. When you stretch your calf muscles, make sure you do it slowly and prevent bouncing or using too much force when you use your leg. Keep in mind that even after you heal, you can be at a higher risk of injuring your Achilles tendon again. To ensure you don’t injure yourself again, you should follow these tips:
- Keep yourself in good shape and stretch properly before any exercise.
- Avoid high-heeled shoes.
- Consult your provider to start your repetitive sports activities like tennis, racquetball, basketball, or other sports.
- Do a proper warm-up and stretching before any strenuous physical activity.
The Achilles tendon can be repaired with surgical and non-surgical treatment options depending on the severity of your condition. Usually, the doctor first treats you with non-surgical treatment options like a cast, a specific boot, RICE therapy, and OTC medication. If your Achilles tendon doesn’t heal with them, then surgical options are considered. Your doctor will discuss surgical options that should be considered to treat the Achilles tendon and the expected recovery time with you, so you can choose a suitable option.
Need help with the Achilles tendon? Visit our podiatry clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!! At Doral Health & Wellness, we have Podiatrists with extensive education and expertise. If you’re ready to take the next step in managing your pain, we recommend consulting with our healthcare provider to explore the right treatments or therapies for you. Always listen to your body and adjust your daily routine to prioritize your well-being. Trauma to the tendons, muscles, and bones of the foot is quite common. It’s not a good idea to put off seeing Foot Doctor Brooklyn until you are in a lot of pain. Our address is 1797 Pitkin Avenue, New York, NY 11212. To make an appointment, please call + 1 718 367 2555 or send an email toinfo@doralhw.org.
