Achilles Tendonitis Treatment
How do we treat Achilles tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis treatment typically involves achilled tendon surgery. Non surgical options can be advised for smaller tears. Your podiatric specialist will decide the suitable treatment option.
Achilles tendon surgery:
Achilles tendon surgery helps to increase the ability to push-off the heel and improves ankle movement. Surgery can help provide quick recovery.
Two types of surgeries for Achilles tendon treatment:
Open surgery:
The Achilles tendon specialist performs the procedure with a long, single incision on the backside of the leg.
Percutaneous surgery:
Percutaneous surgery involves several small incisions, after surgery, the surgeon makes the foot and ankle immobilized with the use of a cast or walking boot for 6-12 weeks. The patient can usually leave for home the same day.
For those who have jobs that do not require significant physical activity can continue working in 1-2 days while those who need to stand on their feet may have to wait for 6-8 weeks.
Achilles tendon recovery:
The total recovery time for Achilles tendon surgery may take 3-6 months.
Achilles tendon risks:
- Skin infection at the site of incisions
- Nerve damage
- Nerve pain
Non-surgical Achilles tendon treatment:
Alternative treatment to surgery have an increased chance of re-rupture. Non-surgical Achilles tendon rupture treatment is preferred for smaller tears and patients who have unsuitable health conditions for surgery. Non-surgical procedures involve immobilization of foot and ankle with a cast, walking boot, or brace.
Physiotherapy:
Regardless of the treatment procedure, physiotherapy is highly recommended for healing of the Achilles tendon. It involves exercises for improving movement of foot and ankle.
Prevention:
It is said that prevention is better than cure, you can avoid Achilles tendon injury if you:
- Always accelerate your physical activity slowly
- Do not continue the exercise if you feel pain or tightness between your calf and heel
- Perform stretches with your leg and achilles before and after physical activity
- Reduce running uphill
- Wear fitting, comfortable shoes
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Thoughts and advice on foot health care from the Podogo team.
