After Achilles Tendon Repair: From Healing and Rehab to Long-Term Recovery

A common sports injury affecting the foot and lower leg, Achilles tendon ruptures cause pain and inflammation near the heel while robbing you of the ability to push off the injured foot. You won’t be able to stand on your toes with that foot, either. 

In many cases, surgery is the go-to solution to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon. The recovery process can be slow as the tendon heals and gets stronger. Long periods of immobility are necessary as the surgical repairs take hold, meaning you’ll need rehabilitative therapy to restore flexibility and strength. 

Podiatric surgeon Dominick Mastracco, DPM, FACFAS, of Mastracco Foot & Ankle has the expertise you need for your Achilles tendon rupture. We service the North Canton, Ohio, area, so contact us today for the finest podiatric care. 

After your surgery, the recovery process begins. This month, we’ll take a look at the process so you’ll know what to expect as your ankle heals. 

The damage of a rupture

Overextending any tendon tissue can cause a partial or full rupture. Surgery is most common when there’s a complete tearing of the tendon, though it may be recommended for a partial tear if you’re an active person with an increased risk of reinjury. 

Compared with other body tissues, the Achilles tendon is undersupplied with blood flow. Since the natural healing process is driven by components delivered by blood, surgery gives your body a boost, holding things together as your body repairs itself. 

After surgery: from healing and rehab to long-term recovery

In the first few days after Achilles tendon repair surgery, your ankle and lower leg may be achy, numb, or painful. We discuss pain management with you prior to your procedure. 

There will be swelling and bruising, for which ice packs will help for the first few days until things settle. In the first stages after surgery, immobilization of your foot will be important. 

You’ll be in a cast or walking boot for up to 12 weeks to let your body build new tissue at the point of rupture. This protects the tendon from stretching before it’s strong enough to withstand the strain. 

The time you spend with your foot immobilized is good for healing, but it leads to atrophy and loss of motion in the tendon and the ligaments and muscles that support regular ankle movement. 

Physical rehabilitation starts when the boot or cast comes off. You’ll work with a physical therapist to restore range of motion and strength to your ankle and its support tissues. 

In the meantime, you may feel that your ankle is unstable or weak. This is normal, and while we provide you with expected recovery timelines throughout the process, everyone heals at their own rate, so you may reach recovery milestones sooner or later than expected. This, too, is normal. 

Returning to full activity, including sports participation, depends on how your recovery advances. Be assured that the team at Mastracco Foot & Ankle will monitor your progress and make adjustments to your recovery protocol as you progress. 

For Achilles tendon problems or any other foot conditions or injuries, contact Mastracco Foot & Ankle in North Canton, Ohio. Call our office directly, or book an appointment online today.