Achilles Tendon

Your tennis game was going well—your serving was at its best, and you were easily returning balls from the baseline.

But then you heard a pop, and a searing pain—like you’ve been kicked in the calf—overwhelmed you.

This is a situation where you could have sustained an Achilles tendon tear. This injury requires immediate medical attention.

We’ll take a closer look at this common, yet painful condition, provide an outline of Achilles tendon tear treatment, and tell you how long it takes to fully recover from an Achilles tendon injury.

Achilles Tendon Recovery Process: How to Fully Recover

First, we recognize that the path to recovery is different for everyone, and there is no one “schedule” to which all patients should adhere. However, we do have some information that will help you as you are undergoing Achilles tendon tear treatment.

While a minor injury to the tendon may not require surgery, an Achilles tendon tear treatment often involves some type of operation.

At Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic, we take a conservative approach to Achilles tendon tear treatment. This means that we will try and consider all nonsurgical options before suggesting surgery. Surgical intervention is a choice we don’t make lightly.

What to Know Before Your Achilles Tendon Recovery

It goes without saying that one of the most important aspects of full recovery is to follow instructions to the letter.

Remember that, at first, you may have difficulty keeping your foot pointed downward while the Achilles tendon tear heals. Don’t push it. Only perform the tasks that your doctor or physical therapist have agreed upon as part of your recovery.

Following are some other helpful aspects Achilles tendon tear recovery that you’ll find useful:

• If you’ve had surgery, you’ll likely be in a walking boot for around six to 12 weeks, depending upon your individual situation. It may even be set so that your foot faces downward. This is to give the tendon room to heal correctly.
• It may help to keep your foot elevated when sitting or sleeping.
• If your surgeon or physician has approved it, you can take over-the-counter ibuprofen or naproxen for pain.
• If you smoke, this would be the perfect time to quit. Smoking can slow your healing.

Where Is the Achilles Tendon?

This is one of the largest tendons in your body, and it connects your back calf muscles to the heel bone. Overstretching this causes an Achilles tendon tear. Sometimes it ruptures partially, but other times the entire tendon is torn.

What Are the Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Tear?

You may find it surprising that sometimes, it’s possible to have an Achilles tendon tear or rupture without any symptoms. However, most people do exhibit some signs that the Achilles tendon has been torn or seriously injured.  These include:

• A strong feeling of being kicked in the calf
• Pain, which can be severe
• Swelling near the heel
• Difficulty or inability to stand on the injured leg
• Inability to “push” the injured foot downward or stand on the toes

As we mentioned earlier, you may have heard a pop or snapping sound when the injury occurred.

Raleigh Bone and Joint Surgery Clinic Has the Expertise to Help With Achilles Tendon Tear Treatment

We know how challenging an injury can be. While you’re trying to recover, you’re also still facing the challenges you did when you were well—going to work or school, helping your family, and even the mundane routine of household chores.

We understand, and that’s why we always try nonsurgical solutions before we decide to perform surgery. For almost 50 years, we have remained the oldest and most well-know orthopedic practice in the Raleigh and Triangle areas.

See why so many patients have selected us as their provider of choice. Schedule an appointment today.