Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery in NJ

You may have seen a player getting escorted off the field at a sporting event due to an injury. If the injury was a torn Achilles tendon, you know how bad it can be. That athlete is most likely being taken to surgery to repair the tear. He won’t be playing for months while it heals. If you’re active and begin to feel pain in the back of your ankle, visit Dr. Velimir Petkov, DPM, for Achilles tendonitis treatment. Your podiatrist can begin a program of rehabilitation. If you have pain, see a foot doctor before you get carted off on a stretcher in extreme pain. Call Clifton, NJ, podiatrist’s office for an appointment, even on short notice.

What is Achilles Tendonitis?

The Achilles tendon is the strong band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel. Tendonitis occurs from overuse. Runners who suddenly increase the intensity of their runs are at particular risk of developing Achilles tendonitis. Middle-aged athletes who only work out on the weekends may be at risk of injuring the tendon.

Tendonitis is painful and mobility-limiting. You can treat your pain with conservative lifestyle treatments and over-the-counter medication. Your Northern New Jersey podiatrist at Premier Podiatry provides you with a set of exercises, stretches, and other modification recommendations that help you heal your tendonitis.

When the band of tissue doesn’t respond to these simple modifications, or if your Achilles tendon ruptures, you may need more drastic intervention in the form of surgery. When you’re at this stage, you want to rely on a top-rated foot specialist such as Dr. Velimir Petkov for your minimally invasive Achilles tendon repair. He keeps you informed of your options before beginning any treatment. Dr. Petkov performs tendon surgery so you can resume your regular exercise routine as soon as possible.

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What Are the Types of Achilles Tendon Injuries?

There are two main types of Achilles tendon rupture:

• Non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy is a persistent, debilitating condition with a primarily degenerative pathology. This type of tendinitis occurs when the tendon breaks in the middle. It is characterized by the replacement of the normal collagen in the tendon with pathological tissue, which causes swelling of the heel and leg. This injury can be caused by a variety of causes, including load (too much or too little), biomechanics, age, waist size, and hormone levels. Although it is more common among athletes, non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy can also affect the more sedentary population. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and swelling in the Achilles tendon. Symptoms frequently worsen until the pain becomes more constant with activities.
• Insertional Achilles tendonitis results from damage to the Achilles tendon fibers where the tendon joins to the heel bone. It might be caused by inflammation of a bursa or a tendon sheath in the same region. While non-insertional Achilles tendinitis most typically affects the young and active, insertional Achilles tendinitis can occur at any age. The injury is prevalent in adults, particularly those who begin new physical activities without training. Insertional Achilles tendonitis also affects those with lower extremity abnormalities, leg length discrepancies, and restricted subtalar joint mobility. Insertional Achilles tendonitis is characterized by pain and swelling of the posterior portion of the heel, as well as limited function and stiffness. Furthermore, patients frequently report severe symptoms at night, during rest, and after resuming activity. Tenderness is frequently felt when the distal section of the tendon is palpated. The skin above this area can be red and swollen.

When Do I Need Achilles Tendon Rupture Surgery?

Tendonitis becomes noticeable when you experience mild discomfort on the back of your leg above your ankles. Your pain increases after running or doing physical activity. The area just behind your ankle becomes inflamed. The pain may extend down to your aching heel. The ankle pain becomes more severe after climbing stairs or sprinting. The only way you may find relief is with rest.

When the severe pain doesn’t subside, it’s a clue that you may have experienced a ruptured tendon. You need immediate medical care. If the tear is bad enough, you won’t be able to walk on that foot. Your podiatrist determines whether you need Achilles tendon surgery. An alternative plan is a long-term treatment protocol to repair the Achilles tendon.

What Are Non-Surgical Options to Treat a Ruptured Tendon?

Dr. Petkov takes a full medical history before beginning any treatment. This includes finding out how long your ankle pain has bothered you. Then he examines your leg, ankle, and foot. Armed with the knowledge of your general health, lifestyle, and the level of damage to your Achilles tendon, Dr. Petkov makes a recommendation about the best treatment for your specific needs.

While Achilles tendon rupture surgery is an option, it’s rarely the first choice. Your podiatrist may recommend immobilization instead. Placing your ankle and lower leg in a cast, walking boot, brace, or splint gives the tendon a chance to heal. This treatment can be as successful as tendon surgery. Without surgery, there is the risk of rupturing the tendon in the future. Immobilization is recommended if you’re older and live a more sedentary lifestyle.

Conservative therapy is the first line of management, and it normally entails:

• Administration of NSAIDs
• Reduction of activity levels
• Practicing stretching exercises
• Practicing tendon loading exercises
• Implementation of extracorporeal wave therapy and physiotherapy

Achilles Tendon Rupture Surgery

Dr. Petkov recommends Achilles tendon surgery if you’re healthy and active. If you have a job that requires you to stand, walk, or rely on leg strength- tendon repair surgery is the best remedy to get you back to full strength. You may have to wait about a week for the swelling to subside before you’re able to undergo the procedure.

Your doctor chooses between two surgical options. While both reattach the two broken pieces of the tendon, the approach is different. Depending on the severity of the tear, Dr. Petkov may suggest one of these types of surgery:

• Percutaneous surgery: performed through several small incisions made on the back of your leg
• Open surgery: done through one large incision

According to the research published by NCBI, the success rate of Achilles tendon surgery is higher than 70%. The complication rates range from 3% to 40%. Dr. Velimir Petkov performs the procedure under the most stringent protocols of safety. Hence, the risks are limited.

How Is Achilles Tendon Surgery Performed?

During an open Achilles repair, your surgeon creates an incision on the back of the calf to access the partly or completely torn tendon. Following the removal of any damaged tissue, high-strength sutures are used to repair the tear or reattach the torn tendon’s ends. The tendon and heel bone may be reconnected by surgical screws and sutures. Sutures are then used to seal the wound. Your calf’s back may be painful and swollen for a few days after the procedure.

During minimally invasive surgery for Achilles tendonitis, a small incision is used to insert a camera and tiny pieces of equipment through the skin to remove the damaged and inflammatory Achilles tendon tissue. Other minimally invasive procedures involve making tiny holes in the bone and releasing muscles and tendon fragments. Following the procedure, you would typically require to use crutches for about four weeks before beginning weight-bearing and physical therapy. Around three months should pass before you may resume your regular activities.

How Long is Recovery from Achilles Tendon Surgery?

On average, Achilles tendon surgery recovery lasts up to 12 months. Then, you will be able to engage in sports activities. Minimal loads are permitted during the first 2-6 weeks after treatment. You will have to wear a walking boot and use crutches during this period.

Walking and driving after Achilles tendon surgery is possible after the 7 weeks. Swimming and biking are recommended to strengthen the muscles of the injured leg. Avoid overloads to make surgery recovery time shorter.

Follow the post-surgical physical therapy instructions that may include:

• Ultrasound heat therapy
• Massage therapy
• Strengthening exercises
• Regular stretching
• Flexibility routines
• Agility and coordination training
• Activities to boost endurance, such as cycling

You have to wear a boot or other supportive devices for a period. A boot allows the tendon time to reattach and heal. Your expectations should remain conservative. You won’t be running any marathons for a while. Complete recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon can take as long as six months.

Is Achilles Tendon Surgery Painful?

You’ll experience some pain following surgery, especially in the initial days. Your pain can be alleviated with medications.

How to Prevent an Achilles Tendon Rupture?

You can take various preventative measures to avoid Achilles tendon problems, such as:

• Stretch the tendon before and after exercising, participating in sports, or carrying out other repetitive movements
• Perform calf-strengthening exercises
• Wear appropriate footwear for your activity
• Do not workout on uneven surfaces
• Avoid any activities that cause you pain

Because of the high rate of injury in sports like basketball, running, and soccer, athletes must take extra measures to prepare their bodies and avoid damaging the connective tissue at the back of the lower leg. While there is no guaranteed method to avoid an Achilles rupture, the measures outlined above can dramatically minimize risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

Improve your odds of success. Contact Premier Podiatry at the first signs of a torn Achilles tendon. With proper guidance, you may avoid surgery. But if you do need it, the New Jersey team in Clifton or Wayne is qualified to take care of your Achilles tendon surgery and your recovery.

Premier Podiatry: Velimir Petkov, DPM

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