An Achilles tendon rupture, which can be partial or complete, can lead to difficulty walking, lower leg swelling, and stabbing pains. If you’re experiencing the symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury, the team of board-certified podiatrists at Lake Ridge and Stafford Foot & Ankle Centers provide both conservative and surgical Achilles rupture repair. You can book your Achilles tendon evaluation at the practice’s offices in Lake Ridge or Stafford, Virginia, by clicking the online scheduler or by calling the office nearest you.
Your Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Because your Achilles tendon absorbs great force with each step or jump, it can certainly withstand a lot of shocks.
But one swift move in the wrong direction or a bad landing can tear your Achilles tendon. This injury commonly occurs due to:
If you partially or completely tear your Achilles tendon, you could feel a sudden pain, almost like a kick or a stab to the back of your ankle. You could also find swelling along your calf and into your heel, in addition to difficulty flexing or pointing your foot. These signs and symptoms call for an Achilles tendon evaluation with your podiatrist.
Not always. Your dedicated podiatrist at Lake Ridge and Stafford Foot & Ankle Centers can get ultrasound or X-ray images on-site, so they can quickly determine the extent of your injury. They also examine your foot and ankle, checking for abnormalities and range-of-motion limitations that signal a rupture.
For less severe Achilles tendon injuries, your podiatrist will recommend nonsurgical solutions like:
But if you have a complete Achilles tendon rupture or an injury that isn’t responding to conservative therapies, you could need surgery to graft or repair your tendon. Achilles tendon surgery from Lake Ridge and Stafford Foot & Ankle Centers is designed to increase your push-off strength, improve ankle movements, and improve leg muscle function.
Whether your Lake Ridge and Stafford Foot & Ankle Centers podiatrist recommends conservative or surgical Achilles rupture repair, it takes time for your Achilles tendon to heal.
You might need to immobilize your lower leg for at least 4-6 weeks and possibly longer if you needed surgery. It’s also common to need physical therapy sessions several times a week to promote healing and rebuild strength and flexibility.
Full recovery from Achilles rupture repair can take 8-12 weeks. But it could take up to six months (sometimes longer) to return to sports and exercise without limitations.
Schedule your Achilles rupture repair evaluation at Lake Ridge and Stafford Foot & Ankle Centers today. You can book either online or over the phone.
