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Achilles Tendinitis Surgery

Foot Conditions - Achilles Tendon Rupture

An Achilles Tendon Repair might be suggested if your specialist suspects a rupture. Prior to surgery an Ultrasound or MRI will be carried out to assess the extent of damage and the gap between the tendon ends.

The surgery helps to restore normal anatomy and function of the achilles. An incision will be made at the back of the calf and the two torn ends attached together with a strong suture. If there is severe damage then a part of the tendon may be removed and replaced with a healthy tendon from another part of your foot.

Where possible, the procedure will be carried out through a minimally invasive technique where 2-3mm incisions will be made. This will help reduce possible complications during recovery.

If you have a job that does not require significant physical activity, then you can continue working after 1-2 weeks. If you have an active job then you may need to wait 6-8 weeks before returning to work. Your specialist will run through your recovery plan during your consultation. It may take 6-12 months to gain sufficient strength to return to sports or significant physical activities requiring exertion.

Achilles Tendon Surgery: Frequently Asked Questions

Tendinitis is when the tendon gets inflamed and starts breaking down, while a repair is for a tendon that’s actually torn. Surgery for tendinitis cleans out the damaged bits and sometimes loosens your calf muscle to take pressure off the tendon.
Most cases do really well with rest, stretching, and physiotherapy. Surgery is only needed if you’ve been struggling for 6+ months and nothing else has helped.
You’ll start walking carefully around 2-3 weeks, get more mobile at 4-6 weeks, and should be feeling pretty normal by 3-6 months. Getting back to running takes 4-6 months.
Walking with support starts at 2-3 weeks, you can do light work by 4-6 weeks, and driving is safe when you’re off strong painkillers and can move your foot comfortably—usually around 6-8 weeks.
You’ll have some discomfort for the first 2-3 weeks, but we manage that well with painkillers and ice. By week 4-6, most people feel much better.
Serious problems are quite rare, but like any surgery there’s a small risk of infection, bleeding, scar tissue, or the tendon coming apart again. Your surgeon will talk you through how to avoid these.
Try the non-surgical route first—it works for most people. Surgery is really for complete tears or when you’ve given conservative treatment a proper go for 6+ months with no improvement.

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