Update on Achilles Tear Repair

To wear a boot or not? That's a question people must ponder after suffering an Achilles tendon tear. 

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle and heel bone and can be easily torn/ruptured via a quick, twisting movement, or more commonly from a sports accident. It is a painful injury suffered by more than 30,000 Americans annually.

We see our fair share of tears here at Texas Orthopedics. Treatment to repair the tendon usually involves either wearing a snug, removable boot or minimally invasive, microscopic surgery. 

If you're having trouble deciding which way to go—boot or surgery—new research shows that you’ll be A-Okay with either one.

A recent study published in the Journal of the AAOS (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons)  suggests that both wearing an orthopedic boot or surgery are effective treatments rendering similarly positive results.  

Here are the details:  

• Today's modern, removable boots, allow for both temporary isolation of the tendon while also permitting the necessary movement as prescribed for rehabilitation.
• Current surgical repair methods are constantly improving and boast less risk of infection than ever before, as well as less recovery time following the procedure.
• When coupled with proper rehabilitation, both a boot and surgery report low instances of re-injury.
• No significant loss of ankle range of motion, or calf strength were reported with either boot or surgical repair.

If you’ve suffered an Achilles tendon tear and are debating surgery or wearing a boot for treatment, please contact us to discuss both options with one of our physicians.

(Adapted from the AAOS)

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