S/P Achilles Tendon Repair

Definition:
During an open surgery an incision is made in the back of the leg and the Achilles tendon is stitched together through the incision(s). In a complete or serious rupture the tendon of plantaris or another vestigial muscle is harvested and wrapped around the Achilles tendon, increasing the strength of the repaired tendon.

Symptoms
  • Immediate, severe pain in the calf
  • Tenderness
  • Swelling
  • Stiffness
  • Hearing a snapping or popping noise during the injury
  • Difficulty flexing your foot or pointing your toes
Causes
  • Explosive acceleration (running, jumping)
  • Direct trauma to Achilles tendon
  • Sudden activation of the Achilles after atrophy from prolonged periods of inactivity
  • Antibiotics (ciprofloxacin)
Treatment
  • Period of immobilization in walking boot
  • Progress to passive ROM, then to active ROM
  • Massage to reduce swelling
  • Cross friction massage to scar to decrease scar tissue
  • Foot intrinsic muscle strengthening
  • Non-weight bearing lower extremity strengthening
  • Resisted ankle strengthening
  • Gait program
  • Progress to weight bearing lower extremity strengthening
S/P Achilles Tendon Repair Phase I

Purchase Phase

  • Weight Bearing Restrictions
  • DVT Clot Instructions
  • Crutch Walking
  • Straight Leg Raise
  • Quad Sets
  • Clams
  • Standing Hip Extension
  • Standing Hip Flexor Stretch
  • Big Toe Curls

S/P Achilles Tendon Repair Phase II

Purchase Phase

  • Slant Board Straight Knee
  • Slant Board Bent Knee
  • 100s
  • Sit On Feet
  • Windshield Wipers
  • Foot Ankle Prevention Program Yoga
  • Step Overs
  • Bridge Marching
  • Stationary Bike
  • Single Leg Balance
  • Nose To Wall
  • Gait II

S/P Achilles Tendon Repair Phase III

Purchase Phase

  • Single Leg Balance Mase
  • Heel Raises
  • Step Overs In Mase
  • Backwards Step Ups
  • Backwards Walking
  • Single Leg Speed Skater
  • Heel Offs
  • Stairmaster X 20 Minutes