Weight bearing is not usually possible after tendon achilles surgery. Crutches or some form of weight support may be recommended by your surgeon depending on the operation. Once pain eases it is important to gradually increase weight bearing on the leg.

You will need crutches or a walker for a minimum of six weeks after surgery to give your new joint time to heal.

Overuse or repeated movements during sports, work, or other activities. In sports, a change in how long, intensely, or often you exercise, or in your environment (such as going from a flat surface to a hill or from a paved road to a dirt road) can cause microtears in the tendon that are unable to heal quickly and will eventually cause pain. Injury from repeated push-offs or a stop-and-go motion, common in such activities as running, basketball, tennis, or ballet dancing.

The surgery to treat an Achilles tendon rupture involves an incision along the back of the ankle. Usually the incision is made just to the side of midline so shoes will not rub on the site of the scar. The torn ends of the Achilles tendon are identified and strong sutures are placed in both ends of the tendon. These strong sutures are then tied together to repair the tendon.

Achilles tendon rupture is most often treated surgically to reattach the tendon to its normal position. Non operative management can be undertaken, generally people who live sedentary lifestyles or who may have problems with wound healing. Non surgical treatment of an Achilles tendon rupture is accomplished by casting the Achilles tendon for several months. In these patients, the number of re ruptures is higher compared to those patients who have surgical repair.

Patients will be provided a discharge instructions sheet provided by the surgeon that instructs patients on how to look after their wounds, what activities they should avoid, and which exercises they should do to aid in their recovery. At a follow-up visit the surgeon will inspect the incisions, remove sutures, and discuss the rehabilitation program.

Rehabilitation following Achilles tendon repair is a controversial topic. Traditionally, patients were casted after surgery for a period of 4 to 8 weeks and after that time, patients were allowed to gently move the ankle. More recently, studies have shown that patients do well and heal faster with more rapid mobilization. If a solid repair is attainable, patients may not be casted at all, and allowed to begin motion immediately after surgery.

The most common and worrisome complications following an Achilles tendon repair are problems with wound healing. The skin over the Achilles tendon sometimes does not heal well. Therefore, careful wound management is of utmost important following surgical repair of an Achilles tendon rupture. Other potential problems include infection, ankle stiffness, and rerupture of the tendon.

Some swelling is to be expected and it may actually increase gradually for the first two to three days. If the bandage feels tight you should re-apply it more lightly and elevate the leg to reduce the swelling. Apply ice packs for 20 to 30 minutes every few hours may help to reduce the swelling and act as pain relief as required. If it persist contact your surgeon if you have any concerns.

Exercises are very important, as most of the ankle's strength comes from the muscles surrounding it and not from the tendons or ligaments. You will not harm the ankle by doing strengthening exercises as recommended by your surgeon or physiotherapist. These should be performed according to directions.

Any sport that involves significant weight-bearing stresses or twisting movements must be avoided until approved by your surgeon. Although cartilage and ligament repair often results in a near normal ankle, the ankle does have an increased likelihood of developing arthritis in the long term, so extreme weight-bearing activities need to be modified. Exercises that have less impact on ankles include swimming, cycling and walking.

A structure that anchors a muscle to the skeleton and transmits the muscular contraction to the bone.

Weight bearing is not usually possible after ankle arthrodesis surgery. Crutches or some form of weight support may be recommended by your surgeon depending on the operation. Once pain eases it is important to gradually increase weight bearing on the leg.

If you are having any surgery on your lower extremities, ask your physician if you will need crutches. If you do, please get the crutches before your surgery as we do not provide them.

Crutches are not recommended. One can usually bear full weight on the limb on the day of surgery, as pain permits. A walker, or cane, may be helpful to aid balance.

Generally, you need surgery when the cataracts have advanced to a point where your vision interferes with your life style. As long as you can do what you want to do, you do not have to have surgery.

This refers to an inflammation of the achilles tendon, located at the back of the foot between the heel and the calf muscle. The achilles tendon is one of the largest and strongest tendons in the body (able to withstand forces of up to x12 bodyweight). With achilles tendonitis the back of the heel and lower leg is often red, swollen and painful. Pain may be increased upon rising in the morning or during times of increased activity.

Usually, the crutches are used for 2-3 weeks, while the brace is worn for around 4 weeks. In any case, consult directly with your doctor if you have any doubts.

A reclining pediatric wheelchair with leg extensions will be needed at home. Early in the hospitalization please speak to the hospital workers. They will help make arrangements for discharge. We will provide you with a prescription for the wheelchair, walker, or crutches. In some cases, a hospital bed will be ordered. We work closely with the hospital social workers to coordinate discharge planning and arranging for a nurse and physical therapist to make home visits.