Achilles Tendon Rupture: Do You Need Surgery?

The words “Achilles tendon” combined with the word “rupture,” seems like a recipe destined for a scalpel and a surgery table, right? While there’s no doubt that Achilles tendon ruptures inflict a great deal of pain on their victims, surgery isn’t the only treatment option. Sure, sometimes surgery is necessary to repair a torn tendon, but many people who suffer from an Achilles tendon rupture can self-rehabilitate.

But wait … how does an Achilles tendon rupture happen?

An Achilles tendon rupture happens when your Achilles tendon is overextended. You may hear a “pop” noise at the back of your ankle, accompanied by sharp pain throughout the back of your calf and entire leg. Achilles tendon ruptures can happen without warning and prevent movement of the affected leg.

Because your Achilles tendon is comprised of tissue that connects the gastrocnemius and the soleus (the two parts of the calf muscle) to your foot’s heel, it frequently absorbs exponential amounts of impact from your day-to-day activities. For example, every time you reach for the cereal on the top shelf of your pantry, your Achilles tendon is put to work. When you throw off the comforter and stand up out of bed each morning, your Achilles tendon is in use.

That being said, putting too much force on your Achilles tendon may cause it to tear or rupture.

To perform surgery or to not perform surgery:

Ah, yes — that’s the big question. With proper assistance from a doctor and physical therapist, your Achilles tendon rupture just might heal on its own due to human anatomy and the way its structured.

Your Achilles tendon lies within a tunnel-shaped casing that allows it to move up and down when your calf muscle tightens and relaxes. Because the Achilles tendon is made of tissue, the torn ends of the tendon can heal together with non-operative treatment. Your likelihood of healing an Achilles tendon rupture depends on if non-operative treatment is done correctly.

Non-operative treatment involves positioning the remaining tendon fibers so that they heal together. This usually means that your foot is put in a downward position. With proper physical therapy and treatment, those who opt for non-operative treatment for Achilles tendon ruptures or tears regain the same range of motion as those who have surgery.

Whether you’ve ruptured your Achilles tendon or you’re just reading up on the pros of non-operative treatments, the podiatrists at Triad Foot & Ankle Center are ready to answer your questions. To make an appointment at one of Triad Foot & Ankle Center’s locations, click here.

Disclaimer: The information and other content provided in our blogs, videos, or in any other content or linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. For a full disclaimer, please click here.

Disclaimer: The information and other content provided in our blogs, videos, or in any other content or linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. For a full disclaimer, please click here.