The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, but repetitive overuse may cause degeneration and painful tearing. Achilles Tendon Reconstruction is recommended when non-surgical treatments (such as a fracture boot and gentle stretching exercises) do not resolve symptoms. The surgery is generally performed on an outpatient basis. If you have questions about Achilles tendon reconstruction surgery, contact foot and ankle surgeon, Dr. Lance Silverman today!
Have you suffered a partially or fully ruptured Achilles tendon?
If so, let Dr. Silverman help.
For more information about Achilles tendon reconstruction, keep reading.
What Happens Before Achilles Tendon Surgery?
The surgical center will provide your with individualized advice in the days and weeks leading up to your operation. On the day of your surgery, the anesthesiologist will give you a regional anesthesia known as a Popliteal nerve block. You will be given medication to induce “twilight sleep,” then you’ll be placed on your stomach and given a Novacaine-like medication around the nerve in the back of your leg. This gives complete pain relief that lasts for 12 to 36 hours. Patients report extraordinary satisfaction with this type of anesthesia.
What Happens During Achilles Tendon Surgery?
During surgery you will be heavily sedated. An incision will be made along the back of the lower leg and heel. The tendon will be repaired with multiple sutures in order to draw the ends together and allow them to mend under the correct tension. The wounds will then be closed with staples.
What Happens After Achilles Tendon Surgery?
You will be permitted to leave the surgical center once your anesthesiologist is satisfied that you have recovered. During your recovery time a family member may take your prescription to the nearest pharmacy. Take your narcotic pain control medications before falling asleep or as you feel the “numbing” effect wearing off. Remember post-operative pain is much easier to control with prevention. Call to schedule your first post-operative visit for two weeks after surgery when you feel able.
Achilles Tendon Repair General Recovery Guideline
This timeline is a general guideline. Your post-operative course may vary.
| Elevation | 23 hours / day for 3 days; then keep elevated as needed. Swelling may last over 4 months. |
| Motion | Move your toes when the block resolves. This will decrease pain and swelling and improve healing. Begin ankle motion at 2 weeks. |
| Walking | Begin partial weight bearing at 2 weeks in the removable fracture brace with 1-inch heel lift. Remove 1/4 inch each week. After the tendon heals to bone by 6 weeks, you may wean out of the boot and gradually resume a normal gait. |
| Bathing | Keep cast dry. Use a Dry Pro for the first two weeks. There are no restrictions after the cast is removed. |
| Pain Control | Expect to use strong narcotics for the first 2-5 days. Wean off as soon as you are comfortable using Tylenol or Motrin. |
| Work | Return depends on specific demands. It is safe to return to sedentary work at 10 days post-op. Return to heavy labor will take at least 3 months. |
| Driving | Patients with left foot surgery may drive an automatic transmission. Patients with right foot surgery may drive with the left foot only if they feel safe. |
Routine Clinic Visits
| 2 weeks | Cast and stitch removal. Apply fracture brace. |
| 6 weeks | Begin to wean from brace and start physical therapy. |
| 3+ and 6 months | Return for recheck. Strength improves over the next year. Minimal feelings of discomfort may linger, but your overall comfort level improves over a year. |
| ********** | If at any time during your post-operative period you notice any drainage or foul odor from your incision, a temperature of more than 100.4 degrees and/or increased swelling or tenderness, you should contact our office. |
For more helpful tips, check out these rehab exercise videos that will help you recover.