Achilles Tendon Tears: Fixing a Chronic Tear

Up to 25% of Achilles tendon tears are not diagnosed right away because the worst of the pain and swelling resolves within a few days. Those patients think they just ‘tweaked’ their ankle and continue about their lives. The muscles surrounding the Achilles allow them to continue walking.

But the Achilles may not heal, and pain and stiffness continues to flare up during activities. These tears are considered ‘chronic’ Achilles tendon tears.

How do you fix a chronic Achilles tendon tear?

Did you tear your Achilles weeks or months ago? An orthopedic surgeon at Southwest Orthopedic Group can evaluate your chronic Achilles tendon tear. An MRI can be ordered to evaluate the state of the Achilles and the gap between the tendon edges.

In older patients, who do not perform strenuous activities, conservative treatment using physical therapy and bracing can be an option to eliminate the risk of surgical complications. For others, surgery can be an option.

Operative treatment for chronic Achilles tendon tears

For active patients who cannot tolerate the weakness associated with a chronic Achilles tendon tear, orthopedic foot and ankle surgery is an option.

Unfortunately, minimally invasive techniques are not used in chronic tears. First, a primary repair can be attempted, where the ends of the Achilles tendon are sewed together with strong sutures. Often, scar tissue must be removed. There are supplemental techniques that can help closed the gap between the tendon edges.

Tendon transfer for chronic Achilles tendon tears

If the Achilles tendon is nonfunctional, or the gap between the tendon edges is too large, a tendon transfer can be completed. In this case, your surgeon takes muscle and tendon (flexor hallucis longus) from a neighboring area and redirects it into the heel, all through the same incision. Recovery from a tendon transfer is similar to a primary repair, but the rehabilitation is slowed slightly.

The American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) has more information about Achilles tendon tears at FootCareMD.

For more questions or to set up an evaluation, contact Dr. Stautberg’s office at 281-977-4870.

Author

Eugene Stautberg, MD