At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide comprehensive care to support you both before and after surgery or procedure. Learn about Achilles Tendon Repair surgery, including the procedure, recovery timeline, and rehabilitation. Discover how Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health can help you recover and regain mobility after surgery. Let us guide you through every step of your journey with personalised care and proven results.

Achilles Tendon Repair: Procedure, Recovery & Rehabilitation

What is Achilles Tendon Repair?

Achilles tendon repair is a surgical procedure performed to treat a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon — the large tendon located at the back of the ankle, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This tendon is responsible for activities like walking, running, and jumping.

An Achilles tendon tear often occurs during high-impact activities or sports, particularly those involving sudden starts, stops, or jumping. When the tendon is damaged or ruptures, surgery may be required to restore function and prevent long-term complications, such as instability or weakness in the foot and ankle.

Conditions That Lead to Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery

• Achilles tendon rupture due to sudden trauma or injury.

• Chronic tendonitis that results in degeneration of the tendon and frequent tearing.

• Severe tendon damage that cannot heal with conservative treatments such as rest, bracing, or physical therapy.

The Procedure

1. Preoperative Assessment:

   • Your surgeon will conduct a thorough physical examination of the ankle and foot to assess the injury. Imaging tests like X-rays and MRI scans may be performed to determine the extent of the damage and plan the surgery.

2. During Surgery:

   • Achilles tendon repair is typically performed under general anesthesia and takes about 1-2 hours.

   • The surgeon makes a small incision on the back of the ankle to access the damaged tendon.

   • In some cases, the tendon ends are stitched back together. If the tendon is completely ruptured or the ends are too far apart, a graft may be used to bridge the gap and repair the tendon.

   • Once the tendon is repaired, the surgeon will close the incision with sutures, and a cast or splint will be applied to immobilize the foot and ankle.

3. Postoperative Care:

   • After surgery, you may need to stay in the hospital for 1-2 days for monitoring and initial recovery.

   • The ankle will be kept in a cast or boot to keep the tendon immobilized during the early stages of healing.

   • Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed to manage swelling and discomfort.

Healing and Recovery Time

Initial Recovery (Weeks 1-4):

• During the first few weeks, the priority is to manage pain, swelling, and inflammation. The foot will be kept immobilized in a cast or boot to protect the tendon as it begins to heal.

• Crutches or a walker will be used to prevent weight-bearing on the affected leg.

Intermediate Recovery (Weeks 4-12):

• After the initial healing period, the boot may be replaced with a brace that allows for more movement, but still provides support.

• Partial weight-bearing may be introduced gradually, and your physiotherapist will guide you through gentle rehabilitation exercises to improve ankle mobility and reduce stiffness.

• Range-of-motion exercises will begin, focusing on restoring flexibility and reducing scar tissue buildup around the tendon.

Full Recovery (3-6 Months):

• Full recovery can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on the extent of the injury and your rehabilitation progress.

• You will gradually be able to bear more weight on the leg and return to low-impact activities, such as walking and swimming, as the tendon heals.

• High-impact activities (like running, jumping, or sports) will be reintroduced only after the tendon has healed and regained sufficient strength, typically after 6 months.

Rehabilitation After Achilles Tendon Repair

Rehabilitation is key to restoring strength, flexibility, and function after Achilles tendon repair surgery. At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide a comprehensive rehabilitation program that is tailored to your needs, ensuring you achieve a full recovery.

Rehabilitation Phases:

1. Prehabilitation:

   • Before surgery, we may work with you to strengthen the muscles around the ankle and calf, improve flexibility, and address any pre-existing conditions that may affect recovery.

2. Phase 1: Early Recovery (Weeks 1-4)

   • The first few weeks will focus on managing pain and swelling. Your physiotherapist will guide you through gentle stretching exercises to prevent stiffness and maintain ankle mobility without stressing the tendon.

   • As your pain and swelling reduce, you’ll begin working on improving muscle activation and circulation.

3. Phase 2: Strengthening & Stability (Weeks 4-12)

   • As you progress, we will introduce more strengthening exercises for the calf muscles, foot, and ankle jointto restore stability and support.

   • Gentle weight-bearing exercises will be introduced, including using a stationary bike or water therapy to reduce strain on the tendon while rebuilding strength.

4. Phase 3: Full Recovery & Return to Activity (3-6 Months)

   • Once the tendon has healed, you will gradually reintroduce low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling.

   • More advanced rehabilitation may include eccentric strengthening exercises and balance training to prepare for higher-intensity activities like running and sports.

   • The goal is to return to your normal level of function with the confidence that your Achilles tendon is strong and stable.

Rehabilitation Gym at Palms Physiotherapy:

• At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, our rehabilitation gym is fully equipped to help you regain strength, mobility, and functionality in your Achilles tendon after surgery.

• We provide personalized programs using exercise equipment, balance tools, and functional training to support your recovery at every stage.

• Our physiotherapists are dedicated to guiding you through each phase of recovery to ensure that you return to your activities with confidence and without pain.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does it take to recover from Achilles tendon repair?

• Recovery typically takes between 3 to 6 months, depending on the severity of the injury and your progress with rehabilitation.

2. When can I start walking after Achilles tendon repair surgery?

• You will begin walking with the help of crutches or a walker after the initial healing phase (around 2-4 weeks), and partial weight-bearing will be allowed by your surgeon.

3. Can I return to sports after Achilles tendon repair?

• Low-impact activities can usually be resumed after 3-4 months, while high-impact sports (running, jumping, etc.) will be reintroduced after 6 months, once the tendon has sufficiently healed.

4. Are there risks involved with Achilles tendon repair surgery?

• While complications are rare, potential risks include infection, nerve damage, blood clots, or rupture of the repaired tendon. These risks are minimized by following the surgeon's and physiotherapist's instructions carefully.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health Can Help

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we specialize in providing expert rehabilitation following Achilles tendon repair surgery. Our experienced physiotherapists will create a personalized rehabilitation plan, tailored to your individual needs, to help restore full function to your Achilles tendon. From pain management and mobility exercises to strength building and return-to-sport strategies, we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Additional Resources:

For more information on Achilles tendon repair and related treatments, please visit the following Australian resources:

• Australian Orthopaedic Association – Achilles Tendon Injury: https://aoa.org.au/

• Better Health Channel – Achilles Tendon Surgery: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

• Foot and Ankle Surgery Australia: https://www.footanklesurgery.org.au/

We look forward to supporting you on your recovery journey after Achilles tendon repair surgery. Book your appointment today with Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health!