Achilles Tendon · Surat

Achilles Tendon Surgery in Surat

Dr. Aman Khanna, M.S. Orthopaedics, assesses ruptured Achilles tendons and advises on Achilles tendon surgery in Surat. A complete tear can be treated with a repair operation or without surgery, and the choice depends on age, activity, general health and how long ago the injury happened.

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Anatomy

What is the Achilles tendon and how does it rupture?

The Achilles tendon joins the calf muscles to the heel bone and works in every step, jump and push-off. A complete tear, called a rupture, usually happens during a sudden push-off or an unexpected stretch, for example in badminton, football or cricket, or when stepping off a kerb. Middle-aged adults who play sport now and then are affected most often. A tendon already weakened by long-standing tendinopathy, by some antibiotics of the fluoroquinolone group, or by repeated steroid medicines is more likely to tear.

Symptoms

Broken Achilles tendon: signs and first steps

The usual signs are a sudden pop or a feeling of being kicked at the back of the heel, pain and swelling, a gap that can be felt above the heel, weakness when pushing off, and being unable to rise on tiptoe on that leg. Some people can still walk, so a rupture is sometimes missed as a sprain.

First steps: stop the activity, avoid walking on the leg, keep the foot raised, and see an orthopaedic doctor within a day or two rather than waiting to see whether it improves. The doctor squeezes the calf to see whether the foot moves (the Thompson test) and feels for a gap. An ultrasound or MRI confirms the tear.

Decision

Achilles rupture surgery or no surgery: how the choice is made

Both options are accepted. Dr. Khanna usually advises surgery for most patients with a complete rupture, by open or limited-incision repair, which stitches the torn ends together. Treatment without surgery uses a boot with the foot pointed down, lowered step by step over weeks, with early guided movement. It avoids a wound but needs careful follow-up, and it remains an option for some patients after discussion.

Studies suggest a well-supervised boot programme can give results close to surgery for many people. Both carry a risk of re-rupture, and surgery adds wound risk.

Procedure

Achilles tendon repair surgery: how it is done

The operation is done under spinal or general anaesthesia, as decided with the anaesthetist. Through a cut at the back of the lower leg (open repair) or a smaller incision (limited-incision repair, where it suits the tear) the torn ends are found and joined with strong stitches, and the thin covering of the tendon is closed over the repair. A splint then holds the foot pointing down.

A rupture that is weeks or months old may have a gap too wide to stitch directly, and a tendon transfer or graft may be needed. Before surgery, tell the surgeon about all medicines, including antibiotics, steroids and blood thinners, and stop smoking if you smoke.

Recovery

Recovery after Achilles surgery

The leg is protected in a splint, then in a boot with the heel raised on wedges that are removed one by one, and crutches are used at first. The boot is usually worn for about 8 to 10 weeks. Weight bearing begins gradually, often within the first weeks, as the surgeon directs. Physiotherapy restores ankle movement first and calf strength later. Walking without the boot and driving return over the following weeks.

Running and sport usually wait for many months, because the tendon needs time to regain strength. Dr. Khanna clears sport by checking calf strength at review.

Risks

Risks of Achilles surgery in general terms

The skin over the tendon is thin, so wound problems and infection are the main concerns, raised by smoking and diabetes. Other risks are numbness near the scar from irritation of a small skin nerve, stiffness, calf weakness, a blood clot in the leg and re-rupture.

Pain without a tear

Achilles pain without a rupture

Pain and thickening along the tendon that builds up with activity is usually tendinopathy, not a tear. It is treated with a planned exercise programme and changes in training and footwear, and most people do not need surgery. See also sports injury care in Surat and heel pain and plantar fasciitis.

Know the warning signs

When to see a doctor about an Achilles injury

See an orthopaedic doctor soon after any sudden heel pain with weakness, a pop at the back of the heel, or inability to stand on tiptoe. A calf that becomes swollen, tender and warm after an injury or an operation needs same-day attention, because it can be a clot in the leg vein.

The Athwa Gate OPD runs Mon–Sat 4:00–6:00 PM. See also the foot and ankle surgeon page.

Clinic

OPD venue and timings in Surat

Mahavir Hospital — Athwa

Mahavir Health Campus, Ring Rd, Athwa Gate, Surat 395001

OPD: Mon–Sat 4:00–6:00 PM · By appointment

About the Athwa clinic →

To book an appointment, message on WhatsApp at +91 89808 22922. WhatsApp is for booking and OPD timings; examination and advice happen at the consultation, not over chat.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions: Achilles tendon surgery in Surat

Does a ruptured Achilles tendon always need surgery?

Not always, but most patients are advised surgery. Dr. Khanna usually advises an open or limited-incision repair, and a boot with the foot pointed down and early guided movement remains an option for some. The choice depends on age, activity level, general health, how long ago the tear happened and what the scan shows. Both approaches have a risk of the tendon tearing again.

How do I know if my Achilles tendon is torn?

Typical signs are a sudden pop at the back of the heel, swelling, a gap felt above the heel and weakness pushing off, with no rising on tiptoe on that leg. The doctor confirms the diagnosis by examination, and an ultrasound or MRI is used when findings are unclear.

Can I walk with a torn Achilles tendon?

Some people can still walk, because other muscles can point the foot down weakly, so a rupture is sometimes mistaken for a sprain. Sudden heel pain with weakness needs examination.

How long does recovery take after Achilles tendon repair surgery?

The foot is protected in a splint and then a boot, usually for about 8 to 10 weeks, with weight bearing increased step by step. Walking in ordinary shoes usually returns over a few months, and running or sport wait longer.

What happens if a ruptured Achilles tendon is not treated?

The tendon can heal in a lengthened position, leaving the calf weak for pushing off, climbing stairs and running. Late treatment is possible but more involved, sometimes needing a tendon transfer or graft, so early assessment is preferable.

Can I get a second opinion before deciding on Achilles surgery?

Yes. Bring the scan and reports; the leg is examined first, and then the choices with and without surgery are explained so that you can decide.

Where can I consult Dr. Aman Khanna for Achilles tendon problems in Surat?

At Mahavir Health Campus, Ring Rd, Athwa Gate, Mon–Sat 4:00–6:00 PM, by appointment. Book via WhatsApp at +91 89808 22922.