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Achilles Tendon Tear Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

An Achilles tendon tear can severely impact your ability to walk, run, or engage in physical activity. This common injury typically occurs due to high-impact activity, missteps, or sports-related accidents. At Premier Orthopaedic Associates, we offer comprehensive care to diagnose, treat, and manage Achilles tendon tears, helping you regain mobility and strength.

What is an Achilles Tendon Tear?

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone and allowing movement like walking, running, and jumping. A tear occurs when the tendon is overstretched or ruptures completely, often caused by sudden force, trauma, or a misstep.

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon tear may include:

  • A sudden pop or snap in the back of the ankle
  • Sharp pain in the heel or calf
  • Swelling and bruising around the tendon
  • Difficulty walking or putting weight on the foot

If you experience any of these symptoms, seeking prompt care can help prevent complications and promote healing.

How is an Achilles Tendon Tear Diagnosed?

At Premier Orthopaedic Associates, diagnosing an Achilles tendon tear involves:

  • A physical examination to assess tenderness, swelling, and range of motion
  • Thompson test to evaluate the tendon’s integrity
  • Imaging tests such as MRI or ultrasound to confirm the tear and rule out other injuries

Accurate diagnosis ensures the best treatment approach for your unique condition, whether you require non-surgical management or surgical repair.

Treatment Options for Achilles Tendon Tear

The treatment for an Achilles tendon tear depends on the severity of the injury. At Premier Orthopaedic Associates, we tailor our approach to your specific needs, which may include:

  • Non-surgical treatment: For partial tears or less active individuals, rest, immobilization (such as a cast or boot), and physical therapy can help the tendon heal naturally.
  • Surgical repair: In cases of complete rupture or for active patients, surgery may be necessary to reconnect the torn tendon. Surgical methods include:
    • Open surgery with a larger incision for direct access
    • Minimally invasive surgery with smaller incisions using specialized instruments

Both options are designed to restore mobility, strength, and function to the tendon.

Who Should Consider Treatment for Achilles Tendon Tear?

An Achilles tendon tear can affect anyone, but it’s especially common in active individuals. You may benefit from treatment if you:

  • Have suffered a complete Achilles tendon rupture
  • Are an athlete, weekend warrior, or have a physically demanding job
  • Want to prevent long-term weakness or re-rupture
  • Have not achieved satisfactory results from non-surgical methods

At Premier Orthopaedic Associates, we provide a thorough evaluation to determine the best treatment plan tailored to your injury and lifestyle.

Benefits of Treatment for Achilles Tendon Tear

Proper treatment for an Achilles tendon tear can lead to:

  • Stronger, more reliable healing
  • Improved long-term tendon function
  • Reduced risk of re-injury or re-rupture
  • Faster recovery for athletes and active individuals in many cases

What to Expect During Treatment

Non-surgical treatments: These focus on rest, rehabilitation, and gradual strengthening exercises. We’ll provide guidance on managing symptoms, protecting the tendon, and avoiding further injury.

Surgical repair: Depending on the method, surgery can involve open or minimally invasive techniques to reconnect the tendon. Post-surgery, you will be placed in a boot or splint for protection, and rehabilitation will begin once healing allows.

Recovery from Achilles Tendon Tear

Recovery is gradual and depends on the severity of the injury and the treatment approach. The typical timeline for recovery is as follows:

  • 0–2 weeks: Immobilization with no weight bearing on the affected leg.
  • 2–6 weeks: Transitioning to partial weight bearing, with light movement.
  • 6–12 weeks: Starting physical therapy to rebuild strength and flexibility.
  • 3–6 months: Gradual return to full activity, including sports or work, depending on recovery progress.

Our team will work closely with you through each stage of recovery to ensure the best outcome.

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Why Choose Premier Orthopaedic Associates?

At Premier Orthopaedic Associates, we’re dedicated to providing expert care for Achilles tendon tears and other orthopedic conditions. With extensive experience in diagnosing and treating tendon injuries, we offer personalized care plans and advanced treatment options to help you recover as quickly and safely as possible. Whether through conservative management or surgical intervention, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

FAQs

What causes an Achilles tendon tear?

Can an Achilles tendon tear heal on its own?

How long does it take to recover from an Achilles tendon tear?

What are the risks of Achilles tendon tear surgery?

Is physical therapy required after treatment?

What causes an Achilles tendon tear?

Achilles tendon tears are often caused by sudden, high-impact activity, such as running, jumping, or sudden changes in direction. They can also occur from overuse or trauma.

Can an Achilles tendon tear heal on its own?

Partial tears may heal with non-surgical treatment such as rest and rehabilitation. However, complete tears usually require surgical repair to restore tendon function.

How long does it take to recover from an Achilles tendon tear?

Recovery varies depending on the severity of the tear and treatment approach. It typically takes 3–6 months for full recovery, with gradual return to activity.

What are the risks of Achilles tendon tear surgery?

As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, nerve injury, blood clots, and re-rupture. Your care team will work to minimize these risks and ensure a safe recovery.

Is physical therapy required after treatment?

Yes, physical therapy is an essential part of recovery. It helps to restore strength, flexibility, and function to the tendon, enabling a full return to activity.

Begin Your Recovery Today

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