Achilles Tendon Repair Specialists: 5 Things to Ask Your ACL Surgeon

A rupture of the Achilles tendon accounts for 10.7% of all tendon and ligament injuries. There are approximately 8 cases per 100,000 people.

It’s one of the most frequent reasons to seek out sports medicine in Nashville. 65.2% of cases occur while playing sports.

Finding a facility that offers Achilles Tendon Repair Specialists gets you specialized treatment. How can you get one? Go through another orthopedic professional.

Try an ACL surgeon. ACL tears are another one of the most common sports injuries. Although the Achilles tendon is in the foot and the ACL is in the knee, they’re closely related. They’re both sensitive and can be damaged at the same time.

You can also use the same doctor to find treatment for both. Read on for five essential questions to ask an ACL surgeon before getting Achilles tendon repair.

1. What Procedures Do You Recommend and Why?

The first question you should ask your ACL surgeon is whether or not surgery is necessary.

It depends on what type of injury you have. A partial tear leaves the tendon attached. You may be able to walk with discomfort or a limp.

A full rupture of your Achilles tendon is more severe. The tendon has completely pulled apart.

They respond to different treatments, so ask your surgeon which is best for you and why.

Conservative Treatments

Ask if there are conservative, non-invasive methods that could provide relief. These could include:

• The RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
• Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatories

Immobilizing the foot with a cast also helps. It keeps the tendon in the proper position until it heals.

These methods work best for partial tears. They may relieve your pain and speed up the natural healing process.

Surgical Treatments

Full ruptures typically require surgery. Ask about what type the surgeon thinks is best and why.

The three most common surgical procedures for Achilles tendon repair are:

• Open repair
• Mini-open repair
• Percutaneous repair

They have their pros and cons. Open repair presents additional risks, such as a higher incidence of infection. Still, there is no consensus on which method is best.

Have your surgeon explain their recommended procedure so you know what to expect. It also reassures you that you’re in the hands of a professional who understands your unique case.

2. What Are the Risks Involved?

Not knowing the risks of any procedure is like driving into a storm without getting a weather warning first. You’re unprepared for the dangers ahead.

Ask your surgeon about all the possible risks before, during, and after the procedure. A few of the most common with orthopedic surgery are:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Nerve damage
• DVT or deep vein thrombosis

You may also have long-term consequences from your injury. It could make you prone to reinjury or premature arthritis. There may even be permanent damage that can’t be undone.

Ask the surgeon to explain how common these risks are and how likely you are to experience them. They should also explain the best ways to prevent them.

Ask about how long you can wait to get the procedure. Achilles tendon injuries become chronic after four to six weeks. Delaying treatment can cause further damage.

3. How Many of These Procedures Have You Performed, and What’s Your Success Rate?

A Nashville orthopedic doctor can perform various procedures on:

• Joints
• Bones
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Tissue

That’s why it’s important to find one with experience in the care you need. Look for a clinic that advertises Achilles Tendon Repair Specialists.

There are also other orthopedic subspecialties that can help you. Look for surgeons who specialize in the foot and ankle. You can also look for experts in sports medicine in Nashville.

Ask them how often they’ve performed the procedure they recommend for you. Find out what their success rate with it is. Look for a long list of successful procedures.

4. What Will My Preparation and Recovery Be Like?

Find out if prehab is necessary before surgery. Nashville surgeons should, in most cases, recommend it. The process improves outcomes and speeds up healing.

Ask about what to expect during recovery. Will you need devices such as crutches, and for how long?

See if you’ll need any physical therapy. Find out how what it involves. Common procedures include:

• Stretching
• Strengthening
• Aquatic therapy
• Ultrasound
• Massage

Ask how often you’ll need to go to these appointments and for how long.

Ask about anything that could slow down your recovery so you know what to avoid. A few of the most important are:

• Overexertion or not moving enough
• Not getting a proper diet
• Not drinking enough liquids
• Not taking medications

5. What’s Your Recommended Timeline for Returning to Normal Activities?

Damage to your Achilles tendon can leave you off your feet in a boot and/or cast for six to 12 weeks. You won’t be able to perform your daily activities like driving. Even if your favorite sport caused your injury, you’ll likely be raring to get back to it.

The problem is that returning to your normal activity level too soon can prolong the healing process or lead to re-injury. Ask your surgeon when they expect you to be able to go back to your normal activities.

The general timeline is four to six months, but it varies depending on individual healing times and the severity of the procedure. The surgeon should still be able to give you a rough estimate based on objective strength and functional testing.

Where Can I Find the Best ACL Surgeon for My Achille’s Tendon Pain?

You may have questions after an Achilles tendon injury, and an ACL surgeon can help you answer them. What treatment will you need? How many of them has the surgeon performed successfully? What are the potential risk factors? What will recovery be like, and when can you return to normal activities?

Elite Sports Medicine + Orthopedics has a team of subspecialized orthopedists. We treat a wide range of musculoskeletal problems.

We’re also dedicated to providing every patient with a VIP experience. Expect quality, individualized care. Book an appointment online to begin your journey to healing today.