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Damage to the ankle tendon, at the back of your lower leg, above your heel bone can vary in level. The Achilles tendon fibres can swell or stiffen, typically can be caused by overuse or exercising. If the tendon tears, this is often referred to as a rupture.
The Achilles tendon is one of the largest tendons in the body located between the foot and ankle, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. The Achilles is needed to stand on tip toes and is essential for walking, jogging and running. Tendinopathy is a condition which causes swelling and pain in the Achilles tendon and can occur after injury or overuse.
There are two types of Achilles tendinopathy;
Your consultant will start by carrying out a full clinical assessment to look at your biomechanical alignment as well as for any obvious thickening along your Achilles tendon. They will also test all your other joints for an underlying rheumatological cause.
You might require an ultrasound scan or an MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis. Your consultant may ask about pain levels and give advice on how to manage these as well as come up with a recommended treatment plan. You may also require an X-ray or blood tests if other conditions are suspected.
There are several treatment options available and your consultant will talk to you about which are best for you. Most cases of Achilles tendinopathy respond to a specialised physiotherapy rehabilitation programme.
Other treatments may include a combination of:
There are two main options for managing an Achilles tendon rupture, which have similar healing times and will be discussed in full with your consultant.
The first is to immobilise the tendon in a plaster cast, brace or protective boot, most likely with your toes pointed down. You'll have to use crutches and keep the weight off it for at least four weeks. It will usually take 10-12 weeks to heal fully.
The second is a surgical procedure to reattach the separated tendon ends. It will then need rest in a plaster or a protective boot as it heals. A surgical repair is associated with a slightly lower chance of re-rupture than non-operative management.
Achilles injuries need prompt action to address the pain and difficulty walking. The severity of the injury will need to be assessed by a specialist to avoid any long-term effects. Contact us today to book an appointment with a consultant to treat your Achilles injury and if required, schedule surgery to repair the rupture.
A surgical procedure for a ruptured Achilles tendon, undertaken to help you get back to full fitness following an injury.
Tendons are the tissue that connect your muscles to your bones and allow us to move our limbs. Most people are aware of their Achilles tendon. Sometimes tendons can tear or rupture typically during physical activity. At HCA UK we offer tendon repair surgery to fix torn tendons to help you get back to fitness after an injury.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.