Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery

What is Achilles tendon repair surgery?

How much does Achilles tendon repair surgery cost in Iran?

After Achilles tendon repair surgery

Is Achilles tendon repair a major surgery?

What is Achilles tendon repair surgery?

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the calcaneus (heel bone) and is one of the important tendons in the human body. The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord in the lower leg. It connects the muscles of your calf to your heel. It’s the largest tendon in your body. It helps you walk, run, and jump.

Achilles tendon repair surgery is a type of surgery to fix a damaged Achilles tendon. In some cases, the Achilles tendon can tear, or rupture. This is usually due to a sudden, strong force. It can happen during tough physical activity. It can happen if you suddenly move faster or pivot on your foot. Having a foot that turns outward too much can increase your risk of a torn tendon. A ruptured Achilles tendon can cause pain and swelling near your heel. You may not be able to bend your foot downward. The Achilles tendon can also degenerate. This is also known as tendinitis or tendinopathy. This might cause symptoms like pain and stiffness along your Achilles tendon and on the back of your heel. This is most often through overuse and repeated stress to the tendon. It can result from repeated stress on your tendon, especially if you have recently been more active. Having short calf muscles can increase your risk of tendinopathy.

During the surgery, an incision is made in the back of the calf. If the tendon is ruptured, the surgeon will stitch the tendon back together. If the tendon is degenerated, the surgeon may remove the damaged part of the tendon and repair the rest of the tendon with stitches. If there is severe damage to a lot of the tendon, the surgeon might replace part or all of your Achilles tendon. This is done with a tendon taken from another place in your foot. In some cases, the Achilles tendon repair surgery can be done as a minimally invasive procedure. This is done with several small incisions instead of one large one. It may use a special scope with a tiny camera and a light to help do the repair.

Read more about : Total knee replacement

How much does Achilles tendon repair surgery cost in Iran?

The cost of Achilles tendon repair surgery in Iran is around $700.

The average cost of Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery in Iran less than the cost of Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery in other countries.

Read more about: Repair of rotator cuff tendon

After Achilles tendon repair surgery

Early mobilisation following Achilles tendon repair has been reported to be beneficial in terms of postoperative recovery and improved tendon vascularity.

Describes three phases of post-surgical rehabilitation following Achilles tendon repair.

Phase I

Phase I typically lasts three weeks. Goals of this phase are as follows: Control oedema and protect the repair site Minimize scar adhesion and detrimental effects of immobilization Progress to full weight bearing as tolerated/indicated Pain 5/10 or less, strength 4/5 all lower extremity muscles except plantar flexors Phase I interventions include: Modalities for pain and oedema Stretching of large lower extremity muscle groups, gastrocnemius/soleus added at week 3AROM: plantar and dorsiflexion 3x5; 3 times daily; add inversion and eversion at week 2Foot/ankle isometrics at week 2; band exercises week 3Proprioceptive training for lower extremities; Gait training Upper extremity cardiovascular exercise Joint mobilisation and soft tissue work, as indicated

Phase II

Phase II typically lasts from post op week 4-6.

Goals for this phase are as follows:

Normalized gait pattern Full ankle ROM5/5 lower extremity strength Return to full ADL ability Pain reported to be <2/10Proprioceptive reactions equal to non-surgical side

Phase II interventions include:

Ankle flexibility at various knee angles Progressive closed kinetic chain lower extremity strengthening Cardiovascular progression Proprioceptive training on variety of surfaces Manual resisted exercises and joint mobilization, as indicated

Phase III

Phase III typically lasts from post op week 6-15.Goals for this phase are as follows: Initiate running program Improve balance and coordination Increase velocity of activity Return to sport Phase III interventions include: Progressive ankle and lower extremity strengthening Agility exercises Double heel raise/lower progressing to single leg heel raise at various speeds A recent systematic review by Brumann and colleagues (2014)identified the most up-to-date rehabilitation protocol for an Achilles tendon repair.

Read more about : Carpal Tunnel Surgery

Is Achilles tendon repair a major surgery?

Achilles tendon tear is a serious injury from forceful stretching of the tendon. If there is severe damage to a lot of the tendon, the surgeon might replace part or all of your Achilles tendon. This is done with a tendon taken from another place in your foot. In some cases, the Achilles tendon repair surgery can be done as a minimally invasive procedure.

Read more about: Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery Time

How long does it take to recover from Achilles tendon surgery?

How long it takes for you to heal will depend on how bad your injury is. Tendinitis involves pain and discomfort but no damage to the tendon, so that might be just a few weeks of rest and ice packs. A complete rupture is a totally different story that could take up to a year to heal. Some people have surgery for Achilles ruptures, and some don’t. In general, those who have surgery have a greater chance of complete healing and a lower risk of injuring it again. No matter which option you choose, here’s what you can expect during recovery.

You will need to wear a cast or walking boot for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. At first, it may be set to keep your foot pointed downward as the tendon heals. You may be able to put weight on your affected leg after a few weeks. But it will be several months before you have complete use of your leg and ankle.

Read more about: Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery Steps

How can I make my Achilles tendon heal faster?

Minor to moderate Achilles tendon injuries should heal on their own. To speed the process, you can:

Rest your leg. Avoid putting weight on it as best you can. You may need crutches.
Ice it. Ice your injury for up to 20 minutes at a time as needed.
Compress your leg. Use an elastic bandage around the lower leg and ankle to keep down swelling.
Raise (elevate) your leg. Prop your it on a pillow when you're sitting or lying down.
Take anti-inflammatory painkillers. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen can help with pain and swelling. Follow the instructions on the label to help prevent side effects, such as bleeding and ulcers. Take them with food. Check with your doctor first if you have any allergies, have medical problems, or take any other medication. If you need them for longer than 7 to 10 days, call your doctor.
Use a heel lift. Your doctor may recommend that you wear an insert in your shoe while you recover. It will help protect your Achilles tendon from further stretching.
Practice stretching and strengthening exercises as recommended by your doctor, physical therapist, or other health care provider.

Read more about : Herniated disk treatment

Can a torn Achilles tendon heal without surgery?

If Achilles tendon left untreated, the condition of Achilles tendinitis usually gets worse. You will likely begin to feel chronic pain and the tendon may get ruptured. The condition could become very serious and could lead to serious injury. Minor to moderate Achilles tendon injuries should heal on their own. Nonsurgical treatment starts with immobilizing your leg. This prevents you from moving the lower leg and ankle so that the ends of the Achilles tendon can reattach and heal. A cast, splint, brace, walking boot, or other device may be used to do this. Both immobilization and surgery are often successful. They both help the tendon to heal.

Read more about: ACL repair surgery in Iran

10 common question about Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery

1How long is Achilles tendon surgery?

Achilles surgery takes only about 30 minutes to an hour, and you'll go home the same day. The surgeons will put you in a cast that extends from below the knee to your toes. It'll keep your foot in a pointed position.

2Is Achilles tendon repair a major surgery?

Achilles tendon repair surgery is a type of surgery to fix a damaged Achilles tendon. ... Having a foot that turns outward too much can increase your risk of a torn tendon. A ruptured Achilles tendon can cause pain and swelling near your heel. You may not be able to bend your foot downward.

3How can I make my Achilles tendon heal faster?

Treatment Rest your leg. Avoid putting weight on your leg as best you can. ... Ice it. ... Compress your leg. ... Raise (elevate) your leg. ... Take anti-inflammatory painkillers. ... Use a heel lift. ... Practice stretching and strengthening exercises as recommended by your doctor, physical therapist, or other health care provider.

4When can I walk after Achilles tendon surgery?

5How long are you non weight bearing after Achilles tendon surgery?

Several studies have described the outcomes of patients who were made nonweight-bearing for six weeks after surgery.

6Do you sleep with a walking boot?

It is advised to sleep with one's walking boot on but with the straps loosened for optimal comfort. A helpful tip when sleeping with one's boot on is to surround the leg with pillows to make sure the injured foot is supported. This will also make it unlikely for one to displace their foot, leading to further injury.

7How soon can I drive after foot surgery?

Driving a Car You cannot drive while you are wearing a cast or walker boot on the foot that you use to drive. Your surgeon or physiotherapist will tell you when the cast or boot is no longer needed. This might mean that you cannot drive for 10 to 12 weeks after surgery.

8Does a walking boot help Achilles tendonitis?

Either a removable walking boot, or sometimes even a cast, can allow the inflamed tissue to cool down quickly. Wearing a walking boot keeps the calf muscle from pulling on the Achilles tendon. The boot prevents you from pushing off with the ball of your foot or pointing your toes downward.

9What happens if Achilles tendonitis goes untreated?

Untreated Tendonitis May Lead to a Rupture Of The Tendon Common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include: Pain and swelling in the heel that worsens after physical activity. Feeling of tightness in the heel and foot. Limited range of motion when flexing the foot.

10How can I heal tendons faster?

As an immediate treatment for overuse tendinopathy, doctors and physical therapists often recommend the RICE program: rest, ice, compression, and elevation of the injured tendon. They may also suggest a short course of aspirin, ibuprofen, or other anti-inflammatory drugs to help inflammation and pain.