Achilles Tendon Tear & Tendonitis

What are they, and how are they treated?

What Is Achilles Tendon Tear & Tendonitis?

The Achilles tendon is a strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.

This tendon can be damaged or injured in several ways and the severity of the injury can vary and range from inflammation to a tear.

In most cases, the Achilles tendon is damaged during sports or activity. A change in the frequency or duration of running or sports can lead to Achilles tendonitis.

In other instances, a sudden change in direction with a planted foot or blow to the ankle can cause a tear in the Achilles tendon.

The difference between an Achilles tendon tear and Achilles tendonitis are:

Achilles tendon tear: This is classified as damage to the tendon itself and can be either partial tears or complete tears.

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon tear can include:

Hearing a “pop” at the moment of injury
Pain in the back of the heel or calf
Swelling
Inability to push off the foot
Difficulty standing on the toes

Achilles tendonitis: This is classified as inflammation of the Achilles tendon but the tendon is still fully intact.

Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:

Pain in the back of the heel
Stiffness
A noticeable lump
Swelling

At OrthoNeuro, our Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists have helped thousands of patients with Achilles tendon injuries live active and healthy lives using the latest non-surgical and surgical procedures.

Treatment Options for Achilles Tendon Tear and Achilles Tendonitis

An Achilles tendon tear is considered a much more severe injury than Achilles tendonitis and therefore the treatment options can vary based on the diagnosis.

Treatment Options for Achilles Tendon Tears

At OrthoNeuro, the treatment options for Achilles tendon tears are based on the severity of the damage to the tendon.

In the instance of a partial tendon tear, options include:

Immobilization
Rest and Ice
Activity Modification
Physical Therapy

If the Achilles tendon is torn more than 50% of the way through the tendon or is completely torn (known as an Achilles rupture), surgery may be recommended to repair the tendon.

At OrthoNeuro, Achilles tendon repair is performed as an outpatient procedure so that you are able to return home the same day as your procedure.

During an Achilles tendon repair:

One to two small incisions are made in the area of the Achilles tendon tear
If the tendon is partially torn it is sewn back together using sutures and/or small anchors
If the tendon is completely torn, tendon grafts may be used to reconstruct the Achilles tendon

Once the incision is closed, the foot may be placed in a cast or boot and Physical Therapy is started within days following surgery to restore strength and mobility.

Treatment Options for Achilles Tendonitis

At OrthoNeuro, the treatments for Achilles tendonitis are typically non-surgical and can include:

Immobilization
Rest and Ice
Activity Modification
Physical Therapy

Patients who are experiencing the symptoms of an Achilles injury should not delay a diagnosis.

The decision of what treatments are best for you will be determined by what you and your OrthoNeuro Specialist feel are best.

Make an Appointment with an OrthoNeuro Specialist Today!

If you have been suffering the symptoms of an Achilles injury, schedule an appointment with one of our Board Certified Foot and Ankle Specialists at one of our 7 convenient locations throughout Greater Columbus.

Best of all, most patients can be seen within 24 hours of making an appointment.

Foot, Ankle, and Podiatry Specialists

IF YOU HAVE AN ACUTE INJURY OR LIVE WITH CHRONIC FOOT AND ANKLE PAIN IN CALL ORTHONEURO TODAY OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE FOR EXPERT FOOT AND ANKLE CARE IN COLUMBUS, OHIO.