Expert Achilles Tendon Rupture Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC
An Achilles tendon rupture is a serious injury that can make walking, climbing stairs, or participating in sports extremely difficult. Whether your injury occurred during athletics, recreational activities, or an unexpected fall, prompt evaluation is essential to achieve the best possible recovery.
Blake Ohlson, M.D. provides comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for Achilles tendon ruptures in Mount Pleasant, SC, helping patients regain strength, mobility, and confidence.
As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and regenerative medicine specialist, Dr. Ohlson offers personalized treatment plans based on the severity of your injury, activity level, and recovery goals. Treatment may include functional bracing, casting, physical therapy, or surgical tendon repair when appropriate. His goal is to restore normal function while reducing the risk of re-injury and helping patients safely return to work, sports, and everyday activities.
What is an Achilles Tendon Rupture?
The Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord present behind the ankle that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is used when you walk, run and jump. The Achilles tendon ruptures most often in athletes participating in sports that involve running, pivoting and jumping. Recreational sports that may cause Achilles rupture include tennis, football, basketball, and gymnastics.
What are the Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Rupture?
When the Achilles tendon ruptures, you will experience severe pain in the back of your leg above your heel, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty standing on tiptoe and moving the leg when walking. A popping or snapping sound may be heard when the injury occurs.
How is an Achilles Tendon Rupture Diagnosed?
Your doctor diagnoses the rupture based on the symptoms, history of the injury and by performing a thorough physical examination. Your doctor may also feel a gap or depression in the tendon, just above the heel bone. Your doctor will gently squeeze the calf muscles. If the Achilles tendon is intact, there will be flexion movement of the foot, if it is ruptured, there will be no movement observed.
What is the Treatment for an Achilles Tendon Rupture?
An Achilles tendon rupture is treated using non-surgical methods or surgery. Non-surgical treatment involves wearing a cast or special brace that lifts your heel and allows the tendon to heal.
Surgical treatment involves opening the skin and suturing the torn tendon together. Surgery helps to lower the recurrence of the Achilles tendon rupture.
With either treatment, physical therapy is recommended to improve the strength and flexibility of the leg muscles and the Achilles tendon.
How do you Prevent an Achilles Tendon Rupture?
To help prevent an Achilles tendon injury, it is a good practice to perform stretching and warm-up exercises before participating in any exercises or sports activities. Gradually increase the intensity and length of time of the activity. Muscle conditioning may help to strengthen the muscles in the body.
Why Choose Dr. Blake Ohlson for Achilles Tendon Rupture Treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC?
An Achilles tendon rupture requires timely diagnosis and expert management to restore strength and ankle function. Dr. Blake Ohlson combines advanced orthopedic expertise with individualized care to determine the most effective treatment approach for every patient.
Patients throughout Mount Pleasant, Charleston, Summerville, and surrounding communities choose Dr. Ohlson because he provides:
- Board-certified orthopedic expertise in foot and ankle injuries
- Comprehensive evaluation using physical examination and advanced imaging when needed
- Personalized treatment plans based on the severity of the rupture and patient goals
- Expertise in both non-surgical management and surgical Achilles tendon repair
- Comprehensive rehabilitation programs to restore strength, flexibility, and mobility
- Regenerative medicine expertise when clinically appropriate
- A patient-focused approach designed to help individuals return safely to work, exercise, and recreational activities
Dr. Ohlson emphasizes restoring normal tendon function while minimizing complications and supporting a successful long-term recovery.
Achilles Tendon Rupture FAQs
What causes an Achilles tendon rupture?
Achilles tendon ruptures commonly occur during activities that involve sudden acceleration, jumping, pivoting, or rapid changes in direction. They may also result from falls or forceful pushing movements during sports and exercise.
What does an Achilles tendon rupture feel like?
Many patients describe hearing or feeling a sudden "pop" in the back of the ankle, followed by severe pain, swelling, weakness, and difficulty walking or standing on tiptoe.
How is an Achilles tendon rupture diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves reviewing your symptoms, performing a physical examination, and conducting specific tendon function tests. Imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI may be recommended in certain cases to confirm the diagnosis or evaluate the extent of the injury.
Can an Achilles tendon rupture heal without surgery?
Some Achilles tendon ruptures can heal successfully with non-surgical treatment using functional bracing or casting, followed by a structured rehabilitation program. The most appropriate treatment depends on your age, activity level, health, and the nature of the tear.
When is surgery recommended?
Surgical repair may be recommended for complete ruptures, active individuals who wish to return to sports, or patients who may benefit from a lower risk of tendon re-rupture. Dr. Ohlson will discuss the benefits and risks of both surgical and non-surgical treatment options.
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies based on the treatment approach and individual healing. Most patients require several months of rehabilitation to regain strength, flexibility, and function before returning to full activities.
Will I need physical therapy?
Yes. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery following both surgical and non-surgical treatment. Rehabilitation helps restore ankle motion, calf strength, balance, and overall function.
Can an Achilles tendon rupture be prevented?
While not every injury can be prevented, warming up before exercise, maintaining calf flexibility and strength, gradually increasing activity levels, and avoiding sudden overexertion can help reduce the risk of injury.
Schedule an Achilles Tendon Rupture Evaluation in Mount Pleasant, SC
If you've experienced sudden pain in the back of your ankle or believe you may have torn your Achilles tendon, early evaluation can help improve your recovery. Dr. Blake Ohlson provides comprehensive Achilles tendon rupture treatment in Mount Pleasant, SC, offering both conservative care and advanced surgical options tailored to your needs.
Whether your heel pain is new or has been ongoing for months, an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward lasting relief.
Contact our office today to schedule an evaluation and receive a personalized treatment plan designed to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help you safely return to the activities you enjoy.