Achilles tendon injuries

An Achilles tendon injury can be several different things. An acute rupture of the Achilles tendon can be treated conservatively or with surgery and suturing.

It is important that the injury is examined within the first few days by a doctor and ultrasound scanned to assess whether surgery should be performed. In case of surgery, this should be done within the first week.

If a completely ruptured tendon is not operated on, the strength of the calf muscles in the subsequent course can be considerably reduced. This can be extremely inhibiting for a physically active person.

Achilles tendon pain over a longer period can have several different causes. It can be an irritation in the tendon itself, in front of the tendon or at the attachment to the heel bone. The first and best examination to see what is wrong is an ultrasound examination.

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury?

A rupture of the Achilles tendon is rarely in doubt if it tears completely. You feel a distinct snap and sharp pain. It is difficult to walk and the strength in the calf is almost completely gone. Most often the patient thinks it is a blow from behind.

Most often it is a longer-lasting gradually built-up irritation in or around the Achilles tendon, where exercise becomes more and more difficult to perform due to increasing stiffness or pain.

How the examination is conducted

Consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon is the first step towards investigation. Ultrasound scanning is a must, and can possibly be supplemented with an MRI scan.

How is an Achilles tendon injury treated?

For complete rupture of the tendon in younger sports-active individuals, surgery is the standard treatment, with relief in a splint/boot for the following 6 weeks, with gradual correction of the ankle inclination to 90 degrees.

Conservative treatment can be an option, where the ankle is bandaged for 8 weeks, with gradual correction from plantar flexion to 90 degrees.

Chronic irritations of the Achilles tendon are treated based on the ultrasound scan findings. This can involve a longer rehabilitation course, injection treatment, ESWT treatment, HVI (high volume injection) or surgery.

Safe and rapid clarification

At CPH Privathospital we have specialists in ankle surgery. They only use the most gentle techniques, which result in less pain after the operation, smaller scars, faster rehabilitation and better results. Contact us today for rapid clarification.

Our consultants are ready to help you, so you can quickly get the right diagnosis, whether you are a private payer, have health insurance or come through the public waiting time guarantee.

All examinations can take place at CPH Privathospital, and you therefore have the same experienced consultant throughout the entire course.