Tendon Surgery

Q: What Is Achilles Tendon?

A tendon is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. The Achilles tendon runs down the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Also called the heel cord, the Achilles tendon facilitates walking by helping to raise the heel off the ground.

Q: What causes an achilles tendon rupture?

A tear usually occurs during activities such as running and jumping, or trauma such as a slip and fall. Most patients report their first feeling was a "pop" or like they were struck in the back of the ankle, followed by some pain. There often is no pain in this area before the actual tear.

Q: When is Achilles Surgery usually recommended?

You might need Achilles tendon surgery if you tore your tendon. Surgery is advised for many cases of a ruptured Achilles tendon. But in some cases, your healthcare provider may advise other treatments first. These may include pain medicine, or a temporary cast to prevent your leg from moving.

Q: What is the chance my tendon will tear again?

The risk of re-rupture after surgical repair is less than 5%. If re-rupture occurs, the tendon can be repaired again either directly or with other techniques that utilize other tissues and materials to reinforce the repair. Revision surgery is always more complex than the original surgery.

In this procedure, the surgeon will make a small incision in the area above the tendon. Using specialized surgical tools, doctors will remove any damaged tissue and patch in another location. This involves grafting a tendon from another part of your body to repair and strengthen the weak tendon.

Tendon Surgery

Tendon repair is surgery done to treat a torn or otherwise damaged tendon. Tendons are the soft, band-like tissues that connect muscles to bone. When the muscles contract, the tendons pull the bones and cause the joints to move.

When tendon damage occurs, movement may be seriously limited. The damaged area may feel weak or painful.

This surgery may be helpful for people who have tendon injuries that are making it difficult for them to move a joint or are very painful.

The type of surgery depends on the tendon involved and if there is any bone problems. Some of the most common tendon issues are with the Achilles Tendon, the Peroneal Tendons and the Posterior Tibial Tendon.

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The great thing about this surgery is that most patients are able to return to normal activities after one or two months. The results of the surgery vary depending on where you have the injury and how severe it is. If the infection has not spread and if the osteochondral defect is small, then there will be no serious issues with your life.

The sooner the surgery is done after the injury, the easier the recovery process will be. If you have any questions about your surgery or whether you should have it done, please contact us for more information.

As a general rule, Tendon Surgery procedures are performed on an out-patient basis in an Alberta Health Services (AHS) approved Surgical Center or in a Hospital. Surgical procedural costs are covered by AHS or the patient may opt for private surgery to avoid a waiting time. A visit to Feldman & Leavitt Foot And Ankle Specialists will CLEARLY define all available patient options.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Achilles Tendon?

What Causes an Achilles Tendon Rupture?

When is Achilles Surgery usually recommended?

What is the chance my tendon will tear again?

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For more information on Tendon Surgery, book a surgical consultation with one of our board certified podiatric surgeons

For more information on Tendon Surgery, book a surgical consultation with one of our board certified podiatric surgeons

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