Achilles Tendon Injuries

Tendonitis often starts suddenly and involves inflammation of the tendon itself or the surrounding tissues. Redness, warmth, pain, and swelling in your heel and lower calf are all signs of Achilles tendonitis. It is a common overuse injury but may occur for other reasons, including a sudden increase in activity or overly tight calf muscles. Without proper treatment, the problem can progress, making it difficult to walk and take part in your regular daily activities.

Tendinosis is chronic degradation (breakdown) of the tendon. It usually starts gradually, and the pain can be quite severe. In some cases, bone spurs may form on the back of the heel, which can irritate the Achilles tendon and cause more tendon damage and pain. If not treated properly, the tendon can weaken over time and even tear completely.

Our foot and ankle specialists start with non-surgical treatment, when possible. For Achilles tendonitis or tendinosis, this may include:

• Ice and anti-inflammatory medications or creams to help with inflammation
• Boots and casts to immobilize the ankle and allow the tendon to rest
• Physical therapy or home exercise programs to help stretch or strengthen the tendon and improve mobility to prevent future problems

Conservative treatment for Achilles tendon ruptures requires a quick diagnosis after injury, careful monitoring by your doctor for weeks to months, and coordinated care with your physical therapist. Injections are rarely used to treat for Achilles tendon pain and injuries.

If non-surgical treatments do not help or your condition becomes more painful, your doctor may recommend surgery. 

For Achilles tendonitis or tendinosis surgery, your surgeon will often remove the damaged or unhealthy part of the tendon and repair any tearing.They will also trim down or remove any bone spurs causing irritation.

For acute (new) Achilles tendon rupture surgery, your surgeon will reattach the torn ends of the tendon, often using minimally-invasive techniques. These new and advanced techniques help limit scarring and safely reduce recovery time.

For chronic (old) Achilles tendon ruptures or previous Achilles rupture surgery that did not heal properly, our surgeons are leaders in the country for complex Achilles reconstruction. This may include tendon transfers, tendon augmentation/support, and cadaver (human donor) tendon repair.

Achilles tendon surgeries are often outpatient procedures, meaning you will go home the same day. Depending on the type of surgery you have, you may begin a comprehensive physical therapy two to four weeks after the procedure to help promote healing and get you on the road to recovery. Our goal is to improve your pain, restore your strength, and get you back to the activities you enjoy.

Our foot and ankle specialists are experienced in diagnosing and treating the full-range of Achilles tendon injuries. They are board-certified and fellowship-trained in foot and ankle surgery and perform hundreds of foot and ankle procedures each year. 

If your injury requires surgery, we are experts in minimally-invasive surgical techniques. These small incisions translate to faster recovery and a quicker return to your daily activities.

Our physical therapists focus exclusively on foot and ankle injuries and rehabilitation. They work with your surgeon both before and after surgery to devise a personalized rehabilitation plan specific to your injury and activity goals.