The Achilles tendon is the MVP of your lower body—strong, hardworking, and essential for every step, jump, and sprint. As the strongest tendon in your body, it’s the star athlete that transfers power from your leg to your foot.
But even MVPs have limits, and injuries can happen when this powerhouse is pushed too hard. A damaged Achilles can put your active lifestyle on hold. Let’s dive into what happens when it’s injured and explore how to get it back in tip-top shape with Achilles tendon repair surgery.
When is Surgery the Best Option?
Before you schedule an appointment with a surgeon, remember that not all Achilles injuries need surgery. Check with a podiatrist before jumping to conclusions. You may find another course of action is best for your particular situation.
But how do you know when it’s time to go under the knife? Usually, you’ll be referred for surgery when the injury is severe or after other traditional treatments don’t work. A “severe” Achilles injury usually means that the tendon has completely ruptured, meaning that it was fully torn in two, like a rope that has snapped.
Partial ruptures happen when the Achilles tendon is torn but not completely severed, like a rope fraying in the middle. Surgery isn’t always necessary for partial tears since they can often heal with physical therapy. But if the tendon is torn beyond about 50%, your doctor will probably recommend surgery.
Types of Achilles Tendon Surgery
There are three typical types of Achilles tendon surgery. Picking the right surgery can feel like choosing between a gentle jog and a sprint—it depends on how bad your injury is.
Percutaneous Repair
Percutaneous repair surgery is a minimally invasive method that involves small incisions and stitches. On the bright side, the recovery is generally faster, and the procedure leaves less scarring than other types. Although rare, there is a slight risk of nerve damage percutaneous repair surgery.
Open Repair
Open repair is a more traditional surgery like the one you may be imagining in your head. The surgeon makes a larger incision to access the tendon in this procedure. Open repair is better for more severe tears since it offers the surgeon the best access. Still, it also comes with a higher risk of infection and a longer recovery because the incision is larger.
Mini-Open Repair
Mini-open repair surgery provides a convenient middle-ground technique that combines the benefits of both previous methods. Compared to open repair surgery, the risk of infection is lower with mini-repair, and fewer complications are reported with this type.
Like any procedure, it still requires some downtime—but who doesn’t need a mandated rest now and then?
Your Achilles Surgery
Before you head in for your procedure, read and follow the clinic’s pre-operation procedures to a “T.” These typically include refraining from eating or drinking at least 12 hours before the surgery, arranging for transportation home from the procedure, and other practical instructions to help you feel your best throughout the process.
It’s expected to be nervous before surgery, but mentally preparing yourself can reduce your stress. Having a positive mindset and a solid support system makes a huge difference.
The Achilles surgery process is pretty simple. First, you’ll be put under anesthesia—thank goodness. After determining how they’ll access the tendon, the surgeon will make the necessary incisions. Then, they focus on repairing the torn Achilles tendon by reconnecting the torn ends with durable sutures. And finally, you’ll be all closed up with dissolvable stitches.
Overall, the process typically takes 30-80 minutes, depending on the complexity of the repair. You’ll be in and out, starting your recovery in just a few hours.
Risks of Achilles Surgery
Nothing’s perfect, so it’s crucial to understand the risks of the procedure before you decide to have it done. Your doctor and surgeon will also provide details about the risks of your specific injury.
The main risks of Achilles tendon surgery are infection, nerve damage, blood clots, and re-injury. Infection is the most common risk, but you can promote proper healing by keeping your bandages dry and clean and watching for warning signs like redness or a bad smell.
Most of these risks are low, but it’s essential to know about them nonetheless—it’s always better to know what could go wrong than to be caught off guard.
The Road to a Stronger Achilles
Your journey to recovery after Achilles tendon surgery may feel like a marathon, but every step you take—however small—brings you closer to reclaiming your strength and mobility.
The first few weeks, you may need to rest and keep most weight off your foot. You’ll rely on crutches and perhaps even a stylish surgical boot. But these temporary tools help you get back in the game.
Exercises and gradual weight-bearing are your keys to success in rehabilitation, transforming that cautious first step into your usual confident stride. After three or four months, you’ll likely be able to walk again, although full recovery might take up to a year. But the reward of an active, vibrant lifestyle is well worth the effort.
Healing is a process, not a race. With the expert guidance of your Utah foot and ankle specialist, choose your surgical option wisely, trust and be diligent about your rehab plan, and give your Achilles the rest it deserves.
Your Achilles comeback story is just beginning—and it could be great.
