MR-guided radiotherapy
HCA Healthcare UK invests £15million to introduce advanced MR-guided radiotherapy with Elekta Unity MR Linac
Achilles tendon injuries
- Rated 'very good' or 'excellent' by 97% of orthopaedic patients
- 10 specialist orthopaedic fields offering highly personalised treatment
- Get an appointment in as little as 24hrs
ACHILLES TENDON INJURIES AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
HCA UK gives you access to leading orthopaedic consultants specialising in foot and ankle conditions, ready to accurately assess your Achilles tendon injury and get you onto the best treatment pathway. They’ll carry out an advanced investigation, supported state-of-the-art imaging technologies, and create a high personalised treatment plan ensuring the best possible outcomes for your specific injury.
It's a highly tailored approach and one reason we’ve more 'Outstanding' ratings from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) than any other private hospital group.
It's a highly tailored approach and one reason we’ve more 'Outstanding' ratings from the Care Quality Commission (CQC) than any other private hospital group.
Your Achilles tendons connect your calf muscles to your heel bones. They’re essential for helping you with movements such as walking, running and jumping.
There’s a whole range of injuries that you can experience, ranging from mild inflammation, also called tendinopathy, to a complete tear, known as a rupture.
Tendinopathy often develops over time from overuse, leading to pain and swelling. Ruptures typically happen as a result of a sudden, forceful movement.
There’s a whole range of injuries that you can experience, ranging from mild inflammation, also called tendinopathy, to a complete tear, known as a rupture.
Tendinopathy often develops over time from overuse, leading to pain and swelling. Ruptures typically happen as a result of a sudden, forceful movement.
Common signs that you may have an Achilles tendon injury include:
- Pain and stiffness
- Discomfort along the back of your ankle, especially during or after activity
- Swelling, with noticeable inflammation around the tendon area
- Limited mobility, with difficulty pointing toes downward or standing on tiptoes
- An audible snap or popping sound at the time of injury if there’s a rupture
Our specialists may perform a range of investigations including:
- A clinical assessment, evaluating your tendon for signs of swelling, tenderness or thickening
- A range of imaging tests, using ultrasound or MRI scans to confirm the extent of your injury
We offer a comprehensive range of treatments. Your own treatment plan will be carefully tailored to the type and severity of your injury, but this gives you an overview of the range of approaches your consultant may take.
If you have a minor injury rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications and physiotherapy may be enough to help ease any swelling and pain.
Orthotics such as custom shoe inserts to correct your foot’s posture may also help alongside shockwave therapy – a non-invasive treatment that stimulates healing. Your consultant can advise you of the best combination for your injury
More severe cases or complete ruptures may need immobilisation with a boot or cast, or surgical repair followed by careful rehabilitation. An Achilles tendon repair procedure will reattach the torn tendon ends – it needs to be followed by a period of complete rest and rehabilitation.
If you have a minor injury rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), over-the-counter pain and anti-inflammatory medications and physiotherapy may be enough to help ease any swelling and pain.
Orthotics such as custom shoe inserts to correct your foot’s posture may also help alongside shockwave therapy – a non-invasive treatment that stimulates healing. Your consultant can advise you of the best combination for your injury
More severe cases or complete ruptures may need immobilisation with a boot or cast, or surgical repair followed by careful rehabilitation. An Achilles tendon repair procedure will reattach the torn tendon ends – it needs to be followed by a period of complete rest and rehabilitation.
No.1
in London for private orthopaedic care**
10
specialist orthopaedic fields offering personalised treatment
97%
of our patients would recommend us to family and friends*
Fast access to specialists
appointments bookable online or by phone
Expert orthopaedic treatments
from specialist foot and ankle consultants
State-of-the-art diagnostics
with results in as little as 48 hours
Worried about Achilles pain?
Get in touch and book a same-day or next-day GP appointment.
Have a referral letter and need to book?
Simply book a scan directly today.
Unsure of a diagnosis and need some answers?
Talk to a specialist and get the answers you’ve been looking for.
ACHILLES TENDON INJURY TESTS AND SCANS AT HCA UK
Get a full and expert assessment
Our specialists will perform a thorough clinical assessment of your foot and ankle, evaluating your tendon for signs of swelling, tenderness or thickening. This will help them to form an accurate diagnosis.
They may also recommend that you have imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI scan to uncover the extent of your injury and help them shape the most appropriate treatment approach.
Achilles tendon injury treatments at HCA UK
Expert care with excellent outcomes
Your specialist foot and ankle consultant will draw up a customised plan based on the type and severity of your injury.
That may include non-invasive approaches that don’t require surgery, including:
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- Shockwave therapy
- Orthotics with custom shoe inserts
- Pain medications
If you need surgical intervention, you’ll be offered an Achilles tendon repair procedure to reattach the torn tendon ends. To ensure the very best results and a full recovery, this will be followed by a strict period of rest and a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
If you don't have a referral, don't worry.
Our private GPs can refer to an appropriate consultant or for further tests. You can often get a same- or next-day appointment, so get in touch today to see how we can help.
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what treatments you’re paying for.
Find out more
Achilles tendon injury FAQs
Called Achilles tendinopathy, it’s often caused by overuse, leading to micro-tears in the tendon. Sudden increases in activity, improper footwear or changes in training routines are all common culprits.
Gradual increases in activity levels, proper footwear and regular stretching can all help reduce the risk of injury.
Recovery typically involves a few weeks of immobilisation, with no weight-bearing on the affected limb, followed by physiotherapy. A full return to activities may take months, depending on your individual progress and underlying health.
Post-treatment, we strongly recommend that you undergo a comprehensive rehabilitation programme which will focus on:
- Gradual weight-bearing, transitioning from non-weight-bearing to full activity
- Strengthening exercises with targeted routines to restore tendon strength and flexibility
- Regular monitoring and follow-ups to assess how your healing is progressing and prevent re-injury
Our patients’ foot stories
Timothy's story preserving diabetic foot
Timothy, aged 77, lives and works on a conservation farm in Zambia, Southern Africa. He has Type 2 diabetes with diabetic neuropathy but keeps an active lifestyle as a farmer by tending to giraffes, zebras and buffalo.
Glynis is bowled over by her new ankle
A 42-year-old Glynis was enjoying a night out, on the dancefloor of a London hotel. All was well, but one tiny movement was about to have a huge impact on her life.
Marinella’s story: Looking through the keyhole at bunions and foot health
For finance professional, Marinella, from Tunbridge Wells in Kent, ongoing pain in her feet and a change in their appearance prompted her to seek answers
“Once the cast came off, I just started walking, and I haven't stopped since!”
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