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Achilles Rehab

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your entire body, connecting your calf muscles to the heel bone. This tendon helps you to walk, run, climb, and jump. Although the Achilles tendon can withstand a lot of tension, it is still susceptible to injuries. A rupture or tear in the Achilles tendon can affect the function of your ankle and foot. Knowing what your Achilles tendon injury is and following your recommended treatments can help you move forward from the limitations of your injury. Read more to learn what to look for in an Achilles injury and our recommended treatments.

What is an Achilles Tendon Injury?

The Achilles can become injured with overuse or extreme stress to the tendon. Common Achilles injuries involve Achilles tendinopathy and Achilles Tendon Rupture or tears.
Achilles pain can occur in the Achilles tendon or where the tendon attaches to the heel bone, known as the Achilles tendon insertion.

Types of Achilles Tendon Injuries

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Achilles tendon ruptures or tears commonly involve sudden injury to the tendon, causing heel bone tendon rupture or a complete tear. Ruptured Achilles tendon injuries affect the normal function of the tendon and your mobility.

Achilles tendinopathy is caused by overuse and may be characterized by inflammation of the area. There are two types of Achilles tendinopathy, based on the area in which changes in the tendon are located. These can occur simultaneously or independently.

Noninsertional Achilles Tendinopathy

In noninsertional Achilles tendinopathy, the fibers closer to the middle of the tendon above the heel attachment are injured. These fibers can break down over time and develop minor tears, leading to undesirable changes in the tendon’s properties.

Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy involves an injury to the lower area of the tendon where it attaches to the heel bone. The damaged tendon fibers can harden or calcify in both conditions over time. Insertional Achilles tendinopathy may cause bone spurs to develop on the heel. Although most common in runners, this can occur to individuals at any age or activity level.

What Does Achilles Tendon Injury Mean?

An Achilles injury indicates that you have experienced damage over time or sudden injury to the tendon and possibly the surrounding area.

Achilles Tendon Injury Symptoms

  • Pain along the Achilles tendon in the morning or while physically active
  • Extreme pain and soreness after exercising
  • Thickening of the Achilles tendon
  • Bone spur formation
  • Swelling of the tendon
  • Sore Achilles tendon
  • Heel pain

Achilles Tendon Injury Causes

Achilles tears often involve a sudden injury causing an immediate Achilles tendon rupture. Achilles tendinopathy is not commonly related to a specific injury. This typically involves repetitive stress on the tendon. Causes of Achilles injury may include:

  • A pronounced spike in exercise or physical intensity
  • Insufficient preparation for provocative activities
  • Lack of ankle mobility and strength

Achilles Injury Diagnosis

After noticing your Achilles injury, it is important to seek medical care to get your Achilles tendon injury diagnosed. Diagnosis can be completed through a full physical examination from a physical therapist or physician. A medical provider will generally recommend an Achilles rehabilitation program as a part of your treatment plan for your injury. Your treatment for your Achilles injury will depend on the extent of your injury and lifestyle.

Achilles Injury Treatment

Achilles tendon injuries treated with physical therapy can help restore function while minimizing pain. In severe cases where rest and physical therapy do not help, Achilles surgery can be performed to recover the functionality of the tendon.

Why Choose Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help restore and strengthen the injured tendon. Physical therapy uses progressive overload to increase one’s tolerance for activity and athletic endeavors. Physical therapy and exercise can help prevent Achilles tendon injuries from recurring by better ensuring adequate preparation for one’s physical pursuits.

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If you are struggling with an Achilles injury, contact us today to schedule an appointment at Resilient Performance Physical Therapy in NY, NJ, and CT. Join us today to begin your journey to recovery and healing.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to recover from Achilles surgery?

Recovery from Achilles tendon surgery typically takes about 6 to 12 months. Full strength and range of motion can take many months to restore, but physical therapy can help patients return to regular activities within a year.

How is Achilles repair done?

The surgeon makes an incision in the back of the lower leg to access the torn tendon, stitches it back together, and may reinforce it with nearby tissue. After surgery, physical therapy plays a crucial role in regaining strength, flexibility, and restoring normal movement.

Can a torn Achilles tendon be repaired without surgery?

In some cases, immobilizing the foot and ankle with a boot or cast allows the tendon to heal independently. Physical therapy is key to these non-surgical approaches, helping to strengthen the tendon and restore mobility over time gradually.

Is Achilles a major surgery?

Yes, Achilles tendon repair is considered a major surgery, particularly because of the importance of the Achilles tendon in movement and weight-bearing activities.

How painful is an Achilles tendon repair?

Patients typically experience pain after the surgery, but pain management techniques and medications can alleviate discomfort. Physical therapy plays a vital role in reducing pain in the long term, as it focuses on safe, controlled movements to help with recovery.

Can you walk normally after Achilles tendon surgery?

After the boot or cast is removed, walking typically resumes with physical therapy, and normal gait can be expected in several months as strength and flexibility are regained.

When is it too late for Achilles surgery?

Achilles tendon surgery should ideally be done within the first few weeks after a rupture. If too much time passes, scar tissue may form. However, even delayed surgery can sometimes be successful.

Do you get a hard cast after Achilles surgery?

Yes, after Achilles tendon surgery, you are typically placed in a hard cast or boot to keep your foot in a pointed position for 6 to 8 weeks, which may be adjusted as the tendon recovers.

What is the success rate of Achilles tendon repair?

Achilles tendon repair has a high success rate, with approximately 80-90% of patients recovering full function.

Do you sleep in a boot after Achilles surgery?

Yes, after Achilles tendon surgery, patients are often required to sleep in a boot to protect the tendon during the early stages of healing. The boot immobilizes the foot, preventing unintended movement that could disrupt the repair.

What happens if you wait too long to repair a tendon?

Waiting too long to repair a torn tendon can lead to excessive scar tissue formation, muscle atrophy, and reduced function. Sometimes, the tendon may become impossible to repair without more complex surgery.

What happens if Achilles tendon rupture is left untreated?

If left untreated, a ruptured Achilles tendon can lead to chronic pain, weakness, and an inability to walk or perform activities that require pushing off with the foot.

How long is hospital stay for Achilles tendon repair?

The hospital stay for Achilles tendon repair is usually short, often as little as one day, or even performed as an outpatient procedure.

How long is rehab after Achilles surgery?

Rehabilitation after Achilles surgery can take anywhere from 4 to 12 months. It starts with gentle range-of-motion exercises and progresses to strength training and functional exercises.

How urgent is Achilles tendon repair?

Achilles tendon repair is typically not an emergency but is considered urgent. Surgery should ideally be performed within a few weeks after the injury to ensure the best chances of recovery.