Tendon Repair

One of the most common injuries found on a foot tends to be related to tendons, particularly the Achilles tendon. This structure is an anatomical phenomenon as it is the thickest and strongest tendon found in the body. Located at the back of the heel, the Achilles is a fibrous tissue that connects to the calf muscles of the lower leg. Its main function involves contracting the calf muscle, which pulls the tendon and moves the foot downward. This contraction enables a person to stand on their toes and other intense activities such as running, jumping and walking. Each Achilles tendon is subject to a person’s entire body weight with each step. However, with intense activities, the tendon can bear weight 3-12 times that amount!

While an Achilles strain is the most common form of an Achilles injury, patients may sometimes experience a rupture of the tendon. This rupture will either be a partial or complete tear, depending on the severity. It comes on suddenly, often with a popping sound, and is debilitating. Generally, it is difficult to differentiate between a strain and a partial tear, which is why it is very important to confirm with a podiatrist.

For surgical treatment, Dr. Jenson is considered an expert in healing ruptured Achilles tendons. He uses advance, specialized techniques specific to having his patients back quicker and stronger than before. Creating a fairly small incision, he gains access to the area of concern. He uses specialized equipment and sutures to put the tendon back together. At times, Dr. Jenson uses a grafting method to surround the tendon with stronger muscle tissue to ensure rigidity and strength of the tendon. In fact, it is not uncommon to see a patient undergoing this procedure to recover with an Achilles much stronger than it ever was.

Considered an outpatient procedure, a patient has the luxury of going home the same day of surgery. Due to the severity of the injury, the recovery process may be a little long. Dr. Jenson likes to use precautionary measures as he realizes this is one of the most important structures involved for the body. A patient will have a big dressing on their leg placed immediately after surgery, in which they will be required to keep on for 1-2 weeks. During this time, the patient is asked to limit all activities. After which, they will have the dressing removed and be transferred into a walking boot. Though the boot will allow the patients to move around more, they are still asked to limit their activities as it is very important for no weight to be placed on the tendon. This phase could last anywhere from 2-8 weeks depending on the severity of the tear. Once this time is complete, the patient will then come back to have their sutures removed and transferred into regular shoes. Physical therapy is common in order to regain strength. Once all is done, the patient should be able to perform normal activities with normal strength, if not more.