You might need an Achilles tendon repair if you suffer a severe injury, and non-surgical treatments do not heal the damage.

Your Achilles tendon is a thick, tough piece of connective tissue at the back of your leg. It connects your heel to your calf muscle so you can walk, run, and jump. This tendon is the largest in your entire body, and it’s extremely strong.

It’s possible to tear your Achilles tendon if you put it under excessive strain. More commonly, overuse or repetitive strain leads to the development of numerous tiny tears. This condition, known as tendonitis, can cause the tendon to break down, leading to chronic and painful tendinosis.

Non-invasive treatments, including rest, immobilization, and physical therapy, often give the tendon a chance to heal. However, some injuries are too severe or fail to respond to these measures, in which case Achilles tendon repair might be necessary.