Achilles Tendon

The Achilles Tendon is located at the back of the leg and connects the calf muscle to the calcaneus. It is the thickest, strongest and longest tendon in the human body.

Acute Rupture

Playing sports is the most common reason why a Tendo Achilles rupture occurs It is most commonly reported in patients aged 30 to 40. Often patients describe hearing a pop, which is followed by sharp pain, tenderness and weakness.

Full strength is rarely fully regained without the aid of surgical intervention after an Achilles rupture. Clinical diagnosis in isolation is common but an ultrasound is a useful supporting diagnostic test.

Conservative treatment is generally not recommended for people who wish to lead an active lifestyle.

The most common treatment is surgical repair. The benefit of surgery is that maximum strength of the tendon is regained. The surgeon must ensure correct tension and length at time of surgery.

Mr Edwards has an integral role in ensuring the correct tension and length of the tendon.

After the surgery the patient is placed in a cast for approximately two weeks.

At the follow up appointment this cast is generally replaced with a CAM boot. The patient remains non weight bearing for 6-8 weeks post surgery.

After this time the patient will weight bear in the CAM boot for 2-3 weeks, then progress into a supportive shoe with a heel raise.

Rehabilitation is vital. Physiotherapy and hydrotherapy should be undertaken to facilitate recovery and explosive sport should be avoided for at least six months.