Achilles Tendon Tear

OPA treats a wide variety of foot & ankle conditions and offers comprehensive treatment options — including many non-surgical solutions.

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What is an Achilles Tendon Tear?

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to heal bone to help the foot move. An Achilles tendon tear is an injury where the tendon partially or completely tears and may occur in the middle of the tendon or at the tendons insertion point on the heel.

Common Causes:

- Tight muscles or tendon in the leg
- Sports injury
- Flat Feet
- Constant wear of high heels can stress the tendon

Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Tear may include:

- An audible pop or snap
- Pain
- Inability to move the foot

When you arrive for your initial consultation, Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA) team of foot and ankle specialists will evaluate your areas of concern, discuss your symptoms, and develop a customized and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This evaluation is a necessary part of diagnosing your condition and providing the best possible care.

When diagnosing an Achilles injury, the OPA specialist will provide:

- - A medical, injury, and symptom history review
  - A physical examination
  - Multiple view x-rays, CT scan, or MRI
Once an official diagnosis is made, a customized treatment plan is prescribed. Treatment plans decrease symptoms as quickly as possible.

Common Treatments:

Nonsurgical treatment options treat most partial Achilles tendon tears. A combination of treatment options are included in an OPA specialist’s patient-customized treatment plan:

RICE

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation relieves pain and inflammation.

Immobilization

In a cast, splint, or removable boot gives torn tendon ends time to heal.

Physical Therapy

One of OPA’s onsite physical therapist prescribes and monitors strengthening and stretching exercises.

Complete tendon tears usually require surgery. During an Achilles tendon repair, an OPA specialist makes a small incision and uses sutures to connect torn tendon ends. If there is a bone fracture, the loose piece of bone is reattached to the heal. The patient is immobilized in a splint after surgery. Immobilization continues for 6-8 weeks after surgery. Physical therapy after surgery is an important part of the recovery process. Total recovery time is approximately 6 months.