Relieve Ankle Pain with Achilles Tendon Surgery in Arizona

Achilles tendon surgery is a procedure to repair the tendon located at the back of the heel. This tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone. Tendons are made up of thick connective tissue. When this tissue is damaged or severed, it can cause pain and difficulty walking or being active.

If you or a loved one would like to learn more about Achilles tendon surgery in Arizona, speak with an experienced podiatrist (foot doctor) at Dignity Health. For excellence in care, Find a Doctor near you today.

 

Am I Eligible for Achilles Tendon Surgery?

If noninvasive treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or joint injections are not successful in treating your condition (usually after six months), surgery can be very helpful in repairing a damaged tendon in your heel. Surgery may be performed if the tendon is partially or completely torn (Achilles tendon rupture). 

The goal of surgery will be to restore your ability to push off with your heel without discomfort or disability, and to reduce the likelihood of future tendon injury. 

A knowledgeable provider at Dignity Health can offer helpful advice and insight on what to expect from surgery, including the risks and benefits. 

 

What to Expect with Achilles Tendon Surgery at Dignity Health

An orthopedic or foot and ankle surgeon will perform this procedure in a Dignity Health hospital or outpatient surgery center. In most cases, it is an outpatient surgery and you will be able to go home the same day. You will be given general anesthesia so you won’t feel any pain. Depending on your specific condition, your surgeon will use either an open method with a single incision, or a minimally invasive approach with several smaller incisions. Surgery may take up to an hour or more.

 

Recovery From Achilles Tendon Surgery 

Once your surgery is complete, you will need to wear a cast on your foot — usually for two weeks — to help stabilize it during the healing process. After the cast is removed, you may need to wear a walking boot for several weeks. You will likely be able to put weight on your foot in about six weeks.

As with most orthopedic surgeries, physical therapy is an important part of rehabilitation. Your provider will give you special exercises to do at home in order to strengthen your calf muscle. A full recovery may take anywhere from six months to a year. Most people are able to get back to normal activities with less pain after tendon surgery.

Comprehensive orthopedic programs can be found at these Dignity Health hospitals in Arizona:

For personalized care, find a Dignity Health location near you.

Dignity Health offers quality care with humankindness for a range of orthopedic procedures, including achilles tendon surgery, in Arizona.