Achilles Tendonitis Treatment Dubai
Overview - Achilles Tendon Repair
Achilles tendon repair is an essential surgery for those with injuries to the Achilles tendon, the robust tissue linking the calf muscles to the heel bone. This tendon is essential for walking, running, and jumping and can be regarded as one of the most important structures in our body.
Regrettably, the Achilles tendon is also a frequent site of injury and potential setback to ability and quality of life due to significant utilisation. Our experienced surgeons at OrthoPro Clinic perform Achilles tendon repair using the latest surgical methods to ensure function and reduce pain following an injury.
Understanding Achilles Tendon Injuries
While it is the largest and strongest tendon in your body, it is also at risk for injury. These tendons are prone to injury, which often results in severe disability. List of common causes of Achilles Tendon injury include:
Overuse: Running or jumping activities can cause repeated stress that results in micro-tears of tendon tissue.
Immediate Action: If a person increases physical activity too fast and has not been ‘warmed up’ or conditioned correctly, the tendon can fatigue.
Age-Related Degeneration: The weaker your Achilles tendon may become, the more prone you are to injury.
Autograft: The surgeon uses a tendon from another part of your own body, such as your opposite knee, hamstring, or thigh.
Achilles Tendon Symptoms
Depending on the level of damage, you may exhibit different symptoms and severity that correspond to an Achilles tendon injury. Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis include:
- Pain: It is generally felt at the back of the leg or around the heel and worsens with activity.
- Redness and swelling: In response to inflammation, the area around the back of your heel is likely to be swollen with a slightly reddish tinge.
- Stiffness: It is most often felt in the morning or after a period of stillness, making walking painful.
- Weakness: Weakness in the leg that is affected, especially when you push off of your foot.
- Difficulty in walking: A severe injury can even make walking challenging since it is an essential aspect of life that requires complete use of the tendon.
When is Achilles Tendon repair necessary?
Achilles tendons are usually performed when the damage to the Achilles is significant or if there have been previously necessary underplayed repairs.
Sometimes, non-surgical options (rest, physical therapy, and orthotics) will work. Still, in situations where the pain continues to worsen, there is a need for direct attention from an ankle specialist.
Surgery is only required if the tendon tears all of the way or when conservative measures fail to relieve symptoms.
The Procedure for Achilles Tendon Repair
Achilles tendon repair surgery is designed to restore the tendon’s integrity and function, enabling patients to resume their normal activities. This procedure, usually performed under general or regional anaesthesia, involves the following steps:
1- Incision: The surgeon initiates the procedure by making an incision along the back of the ankle to gain access to the injured tendon.
2- Tendon Repair: If the tendon has ruptured, the surgeon will stitch the torn ends together with durable sutures. In cases of severe damage, a graft may be used to reinforce the repair.
3- Closure: Once the tendon is repaired, the incision is closed with sutures, and the ankle is immobilised in a cast or boot to allow for healing.
Recovery After Achilles Tendon Injury Treatment in Dubai
Achilles tendon repair recovery is a gradual process that requires patience and adherence to post-operative instructions. The duration of recovery may differ based on the severity of the injury and the individual’s general health. Generally, the Achilles tendon repair recovery process includes:
Immobilisation – A cast or boot that keeps the repaired tendon covered and protected for about two weeks.
Physical Therapy: After this primitive healing period, we start physical therapy, which is utilised to restore strength and flexibility to the affected tendon. For more information, physical therapy is an integral part of recovery and affects the outcome post-op.
Progressive Weight-Bearing: Patients progress to weight-bearing as the tendon heals. This method helps in avoiding repeat injury.
Complete recovery: With the help of physio- or occupational therapy, patients should be able to return to their normal activities within six months, but for some people, it may take 12 months.
Risks and Considerations after Achilles tendon pain treatment in Dubai
Like all surgeries, Achilles tendon repair involves some risks. Carriers of the condition are at an increased risk for infection, nerve damage, blood clots, and additional tendon re-rupture.
At OrthoPro Clinic, our team is committed to minimising these risks and achieving the best possible results for our patients.
Achieving Optimal Outcomes at OrthoPro Clinic
At OrthoPro Clinic, we understand the impact of Achilles tendon injuries on your life. Our team of accomplished orthopaedic surgeons is dedicated to providing exceptional care, leveraging advanced surgical methods and state-of-the-art technology to deliver optimal outcomes.
Our Achilles tendon treatment plan, designed for individuals recovering from a tendon rupture or managing chronic tendinitis, focuses on helping you regain mobility and enhance your overall quality of life.
If you are experiencing Achilles heel injury symptoms or have been diagnosed with an Achilles tendon condition, don’t wait to seek treatment. Addressing the issue early can greatly impact the success of your recovery.
Contact OrthoPro Clinic today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards healing.
Our team is here to guide you through every stage of your Achilles tendon repair journey.
FAQs
Achilles tendon repair is a surgical intervention aimed at restoring function and alleviating pain resulting from a damaged or ruptured Achilles tendon. This requires reattaching the torn ends of the tendon with sutures or using a graft if there is significant damage to it.
Symptoms include pain in the back of the leg or near the heel, swelling, stiffness, weakness, and difficulty walking.
The condition is generally caused by chronic overuse from repetitive activities. Still, it may also originate with sudden increases in physical activity and age-related degeneration or trauma following direct impact or forceful movements.
The procedure calls for an incision through which the surgeon must cut to access the torn tendon.
It is followed by repairs, which are done by returning both ends of the tear using sutures or grafts. After that, suture placement is installed. To facilitate healing, the ankle is also immobilised.
Recovery typically involves several stages, including immobilisation, physical therapy, and gradual weight-bearing. Many patients return to regular activities and fully recover within 4–6 months of surgery, although complete recovery may take up to a year.
There is a potential for infection, nerve damage, blood clots, and tendon rupture. Your surgeon will review these risks and take steps to reduce your specific risk factors.
To support your recovery, follow post-operative instructions, attend physical therapy, maintain a healthy diet, and communicate with your healthcare provider about any concerns.
