Learn about
Achilles Tendon
What is the Achilles tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body, allowing you to perform actions such as walking, running, jumping, and standing on your toes.
| What are the symptoms?
Despite its strength, the Achilles tendon is susceptible to injuries, such as tendonitis, tears, or ruptures, often resulting from overuse, sudden increases in physical activity, or trauma. Symptoms of Achilles tendon issues include pain, stiffness, swelling, and difficulty moving the foot or standing on tiptoe.
Common signs and symptoms of Achilles tendon disorders
Normal Achilles
Rupture of the Achilles tendon
Pump bump on the
back of the heel
Thickening of the
Achilles tendon in
Achilles tendinosis
Am I a candidate?
Fill in the symptom questionnaire to find out
| How can it be treated?
Initially most Achilles tendon injuries are treated with rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE). Achilles tendon ruptures are more severe and require immediate attention and in most cases the repair can be done through a minimally invasive technique
Nonsurgical treatments
- Use crutches to get the weight from the painful leg for three to seven days
- Moist heat three to four time a day
- Gentle stretching exercises
- Over the counter anti-inflammatories
- Oral steroid treatment
MIS Achillies Tendon surgery
MIS Achilles tendon surgery is focused on leaving the tendon alone at its natural insertion and removing the pressure of the heel bone. This is called an MIS Zadek procedure and has excellent outcomes
1. Haglunds present in the back of the
heel
2. Post op MIS zadek
MIS Achillies Tendon surgery results
The before and after pictures represent the bone cuts that are needed to remove the pressure on the Achilles tendon. The screws are in place to hold bone in place while it heals
Before
Prep op haglunds deformity
After
Post operative Zadek procedure
| Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of Achilles heel pain is treated by MIS Achilles heel surgery?
Pain where the Achilles inserts in the heel bone, this is also known as Haglund’s deformity. When the deformity has been present for a few years, the body develops a spur in the Achilles tendon know as calcific insertional Achilles tendinitis. Both these treated with MIS Achilles tendon surgery.
How does the MIS Achilles heel surgery differ from other Achilles heel surgeries?
Most open Achilles heel surgeries require separating the Achilles from the bone and then reattaching it after the spur is removed. This can lead a significant amount of weakness to the Achilles tendon that can take up to a year to recover from.
What kind of recovery can I expect from MIS Achilles heel surgery?
After MIS Achilles heel surgery, you will be in a non-weight bearing splint for two weeks. After two weeks you are placed in a walking boot for 4 more weeks. Most patients can return to normal shoes in 6 weeks. Fortunately, the Achilles strength is unaffected by the MIS approach and you can return to most activities after 3 months.
Will I be able to return back to sports after MIS Achilles heel surgery?
Most studies on the MIS Achilles heel surgery show that high level athletes return to their full function after the surgery.
Will I need screws or pins if I have MIS Achilles heel surgery?
One or two screws are used to hold the bone in place until it heals after MIS Achilles heel surgery. After three months they can be removed, but rarely would they back out or cause pain once the bone is healed.