Achilles tendon repair
Surgery for a ruptured Achilles tendon
A procedure undertaken to help you get back to full fitness following an injury
About having an achilles tendon repair
Your consultant may suggest surgery if the tendon ends are not in contact or if your function is likely to be affected long term.
Need to know
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What happens during Achilles tendon repair surgery? icon plus
There are two main ways a surgeon can perform the operation to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon. The type of surgery undertaken will depend on where your tear is.
- In open surgery, one incision is made to allow your surgeon a better view to repair the ends directly using stitches.
- In closed surgery, your surgeon will make a number of small skin incisions to reach your tendon and repair it indirectly using stitches passed through the skin.
In both instances, your surgeon will stitch your tendon together in to allow the body’s healing process to take over and allow the tendon to repair.
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How to prepare for surgery icon plus
Your consultant will let you know how best to prepare for your surgery. -
After surgery icon plus
Your surgeon will usually use local anaesthetic to ensure you are not in pain after the surgery. You will require regular painkillers once the anaesthetic has worn off. You may return home on the same day or need to stay in hospital overnight.
You will need to wear a cast or an adjustable leg brace to help your Achilles tendon heal. This is usually for between four and ten weeks. During this time you may require blood thinning medication to reduce the risk of blood clots.
Physiotherapy will be needed starting after four to six weeks to strengthen your muscles, increase your range of motion, improve your walking, and reduce re-injury.
Our foot and ankle consultants
Our locations
From complex foot and ankle surgery to tests and diagnostic procedures, we provide exceptional orthopaedic care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.
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The Wellington Hospital
Wellington Place
St John's Wood
London NW8 9LE
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road
London
SW1W 8RH
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The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place
London W1U 5NY
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HCA UK at The Shard
The Shard
32 St Thomas Street
London SE1 9BS
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London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street
London
SE1 2PR
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HCA UK City of London - 31 Old Broad Street
London
EC2N 1HT
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Chelsea Outpatients
272 & 280 Kings Road
London SW3 5AW
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Institute of Sport Exercise and Health (ISEH)
170 Tottenham Court Road
London
W1T 7HA
Book a foot and ankle appointment
We're happy to help you make an appointment with one of our experienced foot and ankle consultants. We can also make imaging and outpatient physiotherapy appointments for you.
Call us today
020 7079 4344