Dallas Achilles Tendon Repair Surgeon

legacy.comThe Achilles tendon is one of the most critical tendons in the human body. It connects the ankle and leg muscles, specifically the calf muscles, to the heel bone and is essential for walking, running, and jumping. An Achilles tendon rupture is a painful and debilitating injury that requires prompt treatment rather than nonsurgical treatment, such as ice and pain medicines. Here, we will discuss minimally invasive surgery for ruptured Achilles tendon, its benefits, and why our Dallas Achilles Tendon Repair Surgeon (you could check here) is the ideal choice for this procedure.

Dallas Achilles Tendon Repair: Understanding the Achilles Tendon and Its Rupture
The Achilles tendon, the largest and strongest tendon in the human body, plays a crucial role in enabling movement. Every action that involves your feet—from standing on your tiptoes to running a marathon—relies on this robust band of fibrous tissue. The Achilles tendon joins the two primary calf muscles, the gastrocnemius, and soleus, to the rear of the heel bone (the calcaneus), making walking, running, and jumping possible.

The Achilles tendon is not immune to injury despite its strength and flexibility. A complete Achilles tendon tear is a severe injury characterized by the tearing and separating of the tendon fibers. A ruptured Achilles tendon starts with a sudden, sharp, and severe pain in the back of the ankle and lower leg or calf muscle, and describes it as akin to being hit or kicked in the area. Some even report hearing an audible ‘pop’ during rupture.

Several factors can cause Achilles tendon tears. These include sudden accelerations during running or jumping, overuse from repetitive strain, or abrupt changes in physical activities—such as engaging in intensive exercise without proper warming up. Factors such as aging, certain types of antibiotics, and existing medical conditions like obesity and diabetes can make the tendon more prone to Achilles tendon injuries.

A torn Achilles tendon severely impacts the foot’s functioning, making it difficult, if not impossible, to walk, climb stairs, or participate in any activities that put weight on the leg. As such, a torn Achilles tendon is a serious condition requiring immediate medical attention and, in most cases, surgical intervention. Through our services, our dedicated foot and ankle specialists provide effective, minimally invasive ankle surgery and treatment options that facilitate a faster recovery and help patients regain their mobility from Achilles tendon tears or Achilles tendinitis. Get expert treatment from a trusted Dallas Achilles tendon rupture surgery specialist.

Minimally Invasive Achilles Tendon Repair Procedure
Evaluation and Diagnosis
Before proceeding with the surgical intervention, our specialist will thoroughly evaluate the condition of your Achilles tendons. The assessment includes understanding your medical history, a physical examination, and imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis.

Surgical Procedure
The minimally invasive surgery involves making small incisions through which specialized instruments and a camera are inserted while the patient is in prone postion. The surgeon then uses these instruments to suture the torn tendon together. This method of Achilles rupture surgery reduces the damage to surrounding tissues and results in smaller scars than traditional open surgery.

Postoperative Care
Following the surgery, the patient must wear a boot or cast to keep the ankle immobilized for continuous Achilles tendon surgery recovery. Physical therapy with strengthening exercises is often recommended to strengthen the muscles and improve foot and toe movements. The full recovery period can vary based on the severity of the injury and the patient’s health.

Smaller Incisions
As the name suggests, minimally invasive procedures for a torn tendon involve smaller incisions than traditional surgery, resulting in minimal scarring.

Less Pain and Discomfort
Reduced trauma to the tissues around the Achilles tendon means there is usually less pain and discomfort after the surgical repair.

Faster Recovery Time
Patients generally experience quicker recovery times, which means they can return to normal activities sooner.

Lower Risk of Infection
Smaller incisions for Achilles repair also mean there is a smaller area exposed to potential contaminants, thus reducing the risk of infection and wound complications.

Improved Range of Motion
The minimally invasive technique allows for a more precise repair of the ruptured foot tendon, leading to an improved range of motion in the injured leg once healed