Achilles Heel Surgery Side Effects

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It is commonly injured, which can cause a great deal of swelling, bruising and pain. A ruptured Achilles tendon often requires surgery.

Surgery

• Heel surgery is sometimes needed to repair a severe injury to your Achilles tendon. Walking might become extremely difficult or impossible and the pain can be quite severe.

Considerations

• Even in the worst tears or injuries to an Achilles tendon, patients with poor circulation, heart or lung problems, visible signs of skin problems around the heel and sedentary lifestyles might not be suitable for surgery.

Time Frame

• In non-surgery cases, the heel area can be cast for six to eight weeks in order to heal itself. Four months of therapy afterward is suggested. After surgery, the area is also placed in a cast for six to eight weeks. Crutches are required and recovery time varies, but can take up to six months.

Complications

• The skin around the incision where the tendon is repaired is thin and has a thin supply of blood. Sometimes infections can occur and the wound may not heal properly. The complication rate has been greatly reduced over the years as doctors are more aware of these problems.

Post Surgery

• Swelling, delayed healing, scarring and infection can occur after surgery. Rarely, tendon rupture or never damage may arise.

Therapy

• Therapy is needed to build strength and mobility to prevent future injuries to the heel tendon. Therapy may begin as soon as a few days after surgery and can last for four to five months. A heel splint may be worn to prevent problems and improve balance and movement.