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Foot & Ankle Tendon Tear at Premier Orthopaedic Associates

A tendon tear in the foot or ankle can affect your ability to walk, exercise, and enjoy daily activities. At Premier Orthopaedic Associates, we focus on identifying the underlying cause of the injury and creating treatment plans that support healing, restore mobility, and prevent further complications.

What is a Foot & Ankle Tendon Tear?

Tendons connect muscles to bones, allowing for smooth and stable movement. When one of these tendons is stretched beyond its capacity or torn, it can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the foot or ankle. Tears may be partial or complete, with severity ranging from mild overuse injuries to traumatic ruptures.

Causes of Foot & Ankle Tendon Tears

Tendon tears in the foot and ankle may result from:

  • Sudden injury, such as a fall or sports trauma
  • Repetitive overuse and strain
  • Poor foot mechanics (flat feet or high arches)
  • Age-related degeneration
  • Inflammatory conditions or chronic tendinitis
  • Wearing improper or unsupportive footwear

Common Symptoms

Patients with tendon tears may notice:

  • Sharp or persistent pain in the foot or ankle

  • Swelling or tenderness

  • Weakness or instability when standing or walking

  • Stiffness or reduced range of motion

  • A popping sound or sudden loss of function (in acute injuries)

How Foot & Ankle Tendon Tears Are Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical exam, medical history review, and movement assessment. Imaging studies such as X-rays, ultrasound, or MRI may be used to determine the extent of the tear and guide the best treatment approach.

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Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the severity and location of the tendon tear.

Conservative Care:

  • Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
  • Immobilization with a boot or brace
  • Physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility
  • Anti-inflammatory medications
  • Custom orthotics for support

Surgical Solutions:

When conservative measures are not enough, surgery may be recommended to realign the joint and correct the deformity. One advanced option is Lapiplasty® 3D Bunion Correction, which restores proper alignment in three dimensions and stabilizes the joint with titanium plates, reducing the risk of recurrence.

Recovery and Outlook

Recovery times vary depending on the severity of the injury and type of treatment. Non-surgical cases often improve within weeks to months, while surgical recovery may take several months with structured rehabilitation. With proper care and therapy, most patients regain full function and mobility.

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Why Choose Premier Orthopaedic Associates?

At Premier Orthopaedic Associates, our team provides comprehensive care for tendon injuries of the foot and ankle. From advanced diagnostic testing to personalized treatment plans, we are dedicated to helping patients recover strength, restore stability, and return to the activities they enjoy.

FAQs

What is the difference between a strain and a tendon tear?

Can a tendon tear heal without surgery?

How long does it take to recover from a tendon tear?

Is physical therapy required after a tendon tear?

How can tendon tears be prevented?

What is the difference between a strain and a tendon tear?

A strain is an overstretching of the tendon, while a tear involves partial or complete disruption of the tendon fibers.

Can a tendon tear heal without surgery?

Mild or partial tears can often heal with conservative treatment, though complete ruptures typically require surgery.

How long does it take to recover from a tendon tear?

Recovery may take several weeks for mild tears and several months for severe or surgically repaired injuries.

Is physical therapy required after a tendon tear?

Yes, physical therapy is critical to restore flexibility, strength, and stability after both surgical and non-surgical treatment.

How can tendon tears be prevented?

Wearing supportive footwear, stretching regularly, and avoiding overuse can help reduce the risk of tendon injuries.

Begin Your Recovery Today

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