Achilles Tendon Repair Surgeon in Mount Pleasant, SC
A torn or ruptured Achilles tendon can significantly impact your ability to walk, run, or participate in the activities you enjoy. Blake Ohlson, M.D. is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in advanced foot and ankle care, including Achilles tendon repair for patients in Mount Pleasant, SC. Whether your injury occurred during sports, exercise, or everyday activities, Dr. Ohlson provides comprehensive evaluation and personalized treatment plans designed to restore tendon strength, improve mobility, and help you safely return to an active lifestyle. When surgery is recommended, advanced surgical techniques and individualized rehabilitation protocols are used to optimize recovery and long-term function.
Achilles Tendon Anatomy
Tendons are the soft tissues connecting muscle to bone. The Achilles tendon is the longest tendon in the body and is present behind the ankle, joining the calf muscles with the heel bone. Contraction of the calf muscles tightens the Achilles tendon and pulls the heel, enabling the foot and toe movements necessary for walking, running and jumping.
Achilles Tendon Injury
The Achilles tendon is often injured during sports activities, resulting in an inflammatory condition called tendonitis, which is characterized by swelling and pain. In some cases, severe injury results in a tear or rupture of the Achilles tendon, requiring immediate medical attention.
Causes of Achilles Tendon Injury
The tear or rupture of the Achilles tendon is commonly seen in middle-aged men involved in sports activities. The tendon ruptures as a result of weakness due to advanced age or from sudden bursts of activity during certain sports such as tennis, badminton, and basketball. Having a history of tendonitis, certain diseases such as arthritis and diabetes, or certain antibiotics can make you more susceptible to ruptures.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Injury
The classic symptom of an Achilles tendon rupture is the inability to rise up on your toes. You may often experience a “popping” or “snapping” sound with severe pain, swelling, and stiffness in the ankle region, followed by bruising of the area. If the tendon is partially torn and not ruptured, pain and swelling may be mild.
Diagnosis of Achilles Tendon Injury
The diagnosis of a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon starts with a physical examination of the affected area. Thompson test may be performed where the calf muscle is pressed with you lying on your stomach to check whether the tendon is still connected to the heel or not. In certain cases, an ultrasound or MRI scan may be ordered for a clear diagnosis.
Treatment of Achilles Tendon Injury
The main objective of treatment is to restore the normal physiology of the Achilles tendon so you can perform your normal activities.
Treatment of a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon includes non-surgical or surgical methods. Immediately following a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon you should employ the R.I.C.E. method as follows:
- Rest the injured leg.
- Ice packs should be applied at the site of injury to prevent swelling.
- Apply compression bandages to the injured area to prevent swelling.
- Elevate the injured foot to reduce swelling.
Other non-surgical methods involve casting the injured area for six weeks for the ruptured tendon to reattach itself and heal. After removal of the cast, physical therapy is recommended to prevent stiffness and restore lost muscle tone.
Indications for Achilles Tendon Repair
Surgery may be recommended especially for competitive athletes, those who perform physical work, or in instances where the tendon re-ruptures.
Surgery is contraindicated if you have unhealthy skin, an active infection, are diabetic, smoke and lead a sedentary lifestyle, and are unable to confer with the requirements of postoperative recovery.
Achilles Tendon Repair Procedure
The surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, under a nerve block and sedation. An incision is made at the back of your leg. Your surgeon will stitch the torn tendon back together with strong sutures. Your surgeon may reinforce the Achilles tendon with other tendons depending on the extent of the tear. If the tendon has avulsed or pulled off the heel bone, your surgeon will reattach the tendon to the heel bone.
Postoperative Care following Achilles Tendon Repair
Following surgery, your leg will be placed in a cast or splint from your toes to just below your knee. You will be advised not to bear weight on your operated foot and will be prescribed crutches or a walker to help you move around. You will be prescribed a boot or cast after about 2 to 6 weeks, following which you will be allowed to bear your full weight on your leg. You will be advised physical therapy to regain strength and movement in your ankle and calf muscles. You will be able to regain full movement by 6 months and complete recovery in a year.
Complications of Achilles Tendon Repair
As with all surgical procedures, Achilles tendon repair may be associated with certain complications such as infection, bleeding, nerve injury, and blood clots.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Achilles Tendon Repair in Mount Pleasant, SC?
Choosing an experienced orthopedic surgeon is essential for achieving the best possible recovery following an Achilles tendon injury. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides comprehensive care from diagnosis through rehabilitation, focusing on restoring strength, flexibility, and function while helping reduce the risk of future injury.
Patients choose Dr. Ohlson because he offers:
- Fellowship-trained expertise in orthopedic foot and ankle surgery
- Extensive experience treating Achilles tendon injuries and sports-related conditions
- Thorough evaluation using physical examination and advanced imaging when indicated
- Personalized treatment plans based on the severity of the injury and patient activity level
- Advanced surgical techniques designed to restore tendon integrity and function
- Comprehensive postoperative rehabilitation to support optimal healing
- Care for athletes, active adults, and patients of all activity levels
- Convenient orthopedic care for patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and the surrounding Lowcountry
Dr. Ohlson works closely with each patient to develop a treatment plan that supports a safe recovery and long-term return to work, exercise, and recreational activities.
Achilles Tendon Repair FAQs
When is Achilles tendon repair surgery recommended?
Surgery may be recommended for complete Achilles tendon ruptures, recurrent tendon tears, injuries in active individuals or athletes, or when non-surgical treatment is unlikely to provide the best functional outcome. Your surgeon will determine the most appropriate treatment based on your injury and lifestyle.
How is an Achilles tendon rupture diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically includes a physical examination, including specialized tests such as the Thompson test. Imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the injury.
Is Achilles tendon repair performed as an outpatient procedure?
Yes. Achilles tendon repair is commonly performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing most patients to return home the same day following surgery.
What is recovery like after Achilles tendon repair?
Recovery occurs in stages and generally includes a period of immobilization, gradual weight-bearing, and physical therapy. While many daily activities can be resumed within a few months, full recovery and return to high-impact sports may take up to 9 to 12 months, depending on individual healing.
Will I need physical therapy after surgery?
Yes. Physical therapy plays an essential role in restoring ankle flexibility, calf strength, balance, and normal walking mechanics while helping reduce the risk of reinjury.
What are the benefits of Achilles tendon repair?
Successful Achilles tendon repair can restore tendon strength, improve ankle function, enhance stability, relieve pain, and help patients safely return to sports, work, and other physical activities.
What are the potential risks of Achilles tendon repair?
As with any surgical procedure, risks may include infection, bleeding, nerve injury, blood clots, wound healing issues, tendon rerupture, or stiffness. Your surgeon will discuss these risks and the steps taken to minimize complications.
Does insurance cover Achilles tendon repair?
Most medically necessary Achilles tendon repair procedures are covered by insurance. Coverage depends on your specific insurance plan, and our office can assist with verifying your benefits before surgery.
Schedule an Achilles Tendon Repair Consultation in Mount Pleasant, SC
If you're experiencing severe Achilles tendon pain, difficulty walking, or believe you may have suffered a tendon rupture, early evaluation is important to achieve the best possible outcome. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides comprehensive diagnosis, surgical treatment, and rehabilitation for Achilles tendon injuries for patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding South Carolina communities.
Contact our office today to schedule your consultation and learn whether Achilles tendon repair is the right treatment to restore your mobility, strength, and confidence.