Specialized Foot & Ankle Care in Colorado Springs

Achilles Tendon Repair

Achilles Tendon Repair in Colorado Springs, CO

A torn or ruptured Achilles tendon can significantly impact your ability to walk, run, exercise, and perform everyday activities. At Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group (CSOG), our foot and ankle specialists provide advanced Achilles tendon repair treatments for patients throughout Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado. Whether your injury occurred during sports, exercise, or routine activities, our experienced orthopedic team offers comprehensive evaluation, surgical expertise, and personalized rehabilitation plans designed to restore strength, mobility, and function. Using the latest treatment techniques, we help patients return to active lifestyles with confidence and reduced risk of future injury.

Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group

Your feet and ankles provide the foundation for movement and are essential for walking, standing, working, exercising, and participating in sports. Injuries and conditions affecting these areas can make even simple daily activities painful or difficult.

CSOG provides specialized care for a broad range of foot and ankle conditions, including fractures, arthritis, tendon and ligament problems, deformities, sports injuries, and other disorders affecting mobility. Our specialists offer both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options based on your individual condition.

Treatment may include physical therapy, activity modification, bracing, injections, minimally invasive procedures, or advanced surgery when appropriate. Our goal is to relieve pain, restore stability and function, and help you get back on your feet and return to the activities you enjoy.

• Request An Appointment

Achilles Tendon Anatomy

Tendons are the soft tissues connecting muscle to bone. The Achilles tendon is the longest tendon in the body and is present behind the ankle, joining the calf muscles with the heel bone. Contraction of the calf muscles tightens the Achilles tendon and pulls the heel, enabling the foot and toe movements necessary for walking, running and jumping.

Achilles Tendon Injury

The Achilles tendon is often injured during sports activities, resulting in an inflammatory condition called tendonitis, which is characterized by swelling and pain. In some cases, severe injury results in a tear or rupture of the Achilles tendon, requiring immediate medical attention.

Causes of Achilles Tendon Injury

The tear or rupture of the Achilles tendon is commonly seen in middle-aged men involved in sports activities. The tendon ruptures as a result of weakness due to advanced age or from sudden bursts of activity during certain sports such as tennis, badminton, and basketball. Having a history of tendonitis, certain diseases such as arthritis and diabetes, or certain antibiotics can make you more susceptible to ruptures.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Injury

The classic symptom of an Achilles tendon rupture is the inability to rise up on your toes. You may often experience a “popping” or “snapping” sound with severe pain, swelling, and stiffness in the ankle region, followed by bruising of the area. If the tendon is partially torn and not ruptured, pain and swelling may be mild.

Diagnosis of Achilles Tendon Injury

The diagnosis of a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon starts with a physical examination of the affected area. Thompson test may be performed where the calf muscle is pressed with you lying on your stomach to check whether the tendon is still connected to the heel or not. In certain cases, an ultrasound or MRI scan may be ordered for a clear diagnosis.

Treatment of Achilles Tendon Injury

The main objective of treatment is to restore the normal physiology of the Achilles tendon so you can perform your normal activities.

Treatment of a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon includes non-surgical or surgical methods. Immediately following a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon you should employ the R.I.C.E. method as follows:

• Rest the injured leg.
• Ice packs should be applied at the site of injury to prevent swelling.
• Apply compression bandages to the injured area to prevent swelling.
• Elevate the injured foot to reduce swelling.

Other non-surgical methods involve casting the injured area for six weeks for the ruptured tendon to reattach itself and heal. After removal of the cast, physical therapy is recommended to prevent stiffness and restore lost muscle tone.

Indications for Achilles Tendon Repair

Surgery may be recommended especially for competitive athletes, those who perform physical work, or in instances where the tendon re-ruptures.

Surgery is contraindicated if you have unhealthy skin, an active infection, are diabetic, smoke and lead a sedentary lifestyle, and are unable to confer with the requirements of postoperative recovery.

Achilles Tendon Repair Procedure

The surgery is usually performed as an outpatient procedure, under a nerve block and sedation. An incision is made at the back of your leg. Your surgeon will stitch the torn tendon back together with strong sutures. Your surgeon may reinforce the Achilles tendon with other tendons depending on the extent of the tear. If the tendon has avulsed or pulled off the heel bone, your surgeon will reattach the tendon to the heel bone.

Postoperative Care following Achilles Tendon Repair

Following surgery, your leg will be placed in a cast or splint from your toes to just below your knee. You will be advised not to bear weight on your operated foot and will be prescribed crutches or a walker to help you move around. You will be prescribed a boot or cast after about 2 to 6 weeks, following which you will be allowed to bear your full weight on your leg. You will be advised physical therapy to regain strength and movement in your ankle and calf muscles. You will be able to regain full movement by 6 months and complete recovery in a year.

Complications of Achilles Tendon Repair

As with all surgical procedures, Achilles tendon repair may be associated with certain complications such as infection, bleeding, nerve injury, and blood clots.

Why Choose CSOG for Achilles Tendon Repair?

Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group provides comprehensive foot and ankle care backed by decades of orthopedic experience. Our specialists utilize advanced diagnostic imaging, evidence-based treatment protocols, and modern surgical techniques to deliver exceptional outcomes for Achilles tendon injuries. From initial diagnosis through postoperative rehabilitation, we develop individualized treatment plans focused on restoring tendon strength, improving mobility, and helping patients safely return to work, sports, and daily activities.

Patients choose CSOG for Achilles tendon repair because we offer:

• Experienced foot and ankle specialists with advanced surgical expertise
• Comprehensive diagnostic evaluation and imaging services
• Personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's goals
• Advanced surgical and non-surgical treatment options
• Integrated physical therapy and rehabilitation programs
• Multiple convenient locations throughout Colorado Springs
• Coordinated care from injury diagnosis through full recovery
• A patient-centered approach focused on long-term function and performance

Achilles Tendon Repair FAQs

Schedule an Achilles Tendon Repair Consultation in Colorado Springs, CO

If you are experiencing symptoms of a torn or ruptured Achilles tendon, early evaluation and treatment can help optimize your recovery and long-term outcomes. The foot and ankle specialists at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group provide comprehensive care for Achilles tendon injuries using advanced surgical and non-surgical treatment options.

Contact CSOG today to schedule a consultation at one of our convenient Colorado Springs locations. Our experienced orthopedic team proudly serves patients throughout Colorado Springs and Southern Colorado with personalized care focused on restoring mobility, strength, and an active lifestyle.