Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for a torn achilles tendon

by Prof. Rahsaan Hickle II Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Nonsurgical treatment
Resting the tendon by using crutches. Applying ice to the area. Taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Keeping the ankle from moving for the first few weeks, usually with a walking boot with heel wedges or a cast, with the foot flexed down.
Jul 31, 2020

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Surgical Treatment Some patients may benefit from surgery to repair a fully ruptured Achilles tendon. The goal of the surgery is to stitch the tendon back together. However, in some cases, the damaged part (or the entire tendon) may need to be removed and replaced with tissues taken from another area of your foot. Nonsurgical Options

Will ruptured Achilles tendon heal itself?

Dec 03, 2010 · Treatment of an Achilles Tendon Tear. Treatment of an Achilles tendon tear can consist of either surgery or non-surgical techniques. The benefit of surgery is there is often less immobilization. Athletes can often get back to sports faster, and there is probably a smaller chance of re-rupture of the Achilles tendon.

How do you repair Achilles tendon?

Brace or walking cast: Nonsurgical treatment for a torn Achilles tendon requires immobilizing the injured foot and ankle. Your provider will place your foot, ankle and calf in a brace or walking cast. Your foot and ankle flex downward so that the Achilles tendon can heal.

What is the recovery time for Achilles tendon?

Conservative care can only do so much in restrengthening the torn tendon, which is why artificial strengthening is often the preferred course of treatment. Surgery can be performed in a few different ways, but at our clinic we oftentimes recommend the PARs surgery, which stands for percutaneous Achilles repair system.

How do I treat a pulled Achilles tendon?

Apr 13, 2022 · In the biggest-ever study investigating which treatment is best, scientists in Norway tracked 526 patients — mostly men with an average age of 39 — who ripped their Achilles tendon. They either had minimally invasive surgery, a standard surgery or non-surgical treatment, a brace to immobilize the affected foot and physical therapy.

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Can a torn Achilles tendon heal on its own?

A partially torn Achilles tendon can often heal on its own. The following steps can help speed up the healing process: Avoid putting weight on your leg. Ice your tendon.May 31, 2019

Can you still walk with a torn Achilles tendon?

Patients with rupture of the Achilles tendon can still walk. Patients with rupture of the Achilles tendon can still actively move the ankle up and down. Patients with an Achilles tendon rupture may even manage to stand on tiptoes (on both feet together — though not on the injured limb alone).

How long does it take to recover from a Achilles tendon tear?

Depending on the type of work, some people need several weeks off work after an Achilles tendon tear (rupture); the time taken to return to sport is between 4 and 12 months. Generally, the outlook is good. However, the tendon does take time to heal, usually about six to eight weeks.Dec 21, 2020

Do you need surgery for a torn Achilles tendon?

You might need Achilles tendon surgery if you tore your tendon. Surgery is advised for many cases of a ruptured Achilles tendon. But in some cases, your healthcare provider may advise other treatments first. These may include pain medicine, or a temporary cast to prevent your leg from moving.

How do I know if I tore my Achilles?

SymptomsThe feeling of having been kicked in the calf.Pain, possibly severe, and swelling near the heel.An inability to bend the foot downward or "push off" the injured leg when walking.An inability to stand on the toes on the injured leg.A popping or snapping sound when the injury occurs.Jul 31, 2020

How do u know if u tore your Achilles tendon?

Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Injury A popping sound, indicating a rupture or damage. Swelling around the heel. Severe pain in the heel. Difficulty in bending the foot downward (plantarflexion)

What happens if you don't repair a torn Achilles tendon?

It can cause pain down the back of your leg and around your heel. You might notice that parts of your tendon are getting thicker and hardening because of tendonitis. This will get worse if you don't treat it.

Should I walk with Achilles tendonitis?

Even fast walking would likely be ok - but if too painful, try using an insert in the heel (available at most drug stores). This shortens the length of the Achilles tendon and relieves some of the stress.

What does a partial Achilles tear feel like?

If the Achilles tendon is partially torn pain is felt in the back of the lower leg. This can often feel like you have been kicked in the back of your ankle. There may also be an audible snap, crack or tear.

Is Achilles surgery painful?

Achilles tendon surgery is an outpatient procedure usually lasting a few hours. You may experience pain and discomfort in the days following your surgery. Try to keep your leg elevated to reduce swelling. You may take pain medications as necessary.

How painful is a snapped Achilles?

If you rupture your tendon, you're likely to have a sudden, sharp and severe pain in the back of your leg. It might feel like you've been kicked or hit in the back of your leg. You might also hear a snapping or popping sound when it happens. Usually, the pain then settles into a dull ache.

Diagnosis

Treatment

  • Treatment for a ruptured Achilles tendon often depends on your age, activity level and the severity of your injury. In general, younger and more active people, particularly athletes, tend to choose surgery to repair a completely ruptured Achilles tendon, while older people are more likely to opt for nonsurgical treatment. Recent studies, however, h...
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Lifestyle and Home Remedies

Preparing For Your Appointment

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When you tear your Achilles tendon, there are several ways it can be treated. There is not necessarily a best treatment, just a best option for each individual. You need to discuss the pros and cons of each with your doctor to see which is right for you. Nonsurgical treatment of an Achilles tendon rupture is accomplished by casting o…
See more on verywellhealth.com

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