Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery

When you arrive for your procedure, you’ll be greeted by our clinical team and guided through the check-in process. Your consultant will review your medical history, answer any last questions, and confirm the details of your surgery. You’ll then be shown to a private room where you can change into a hospital gown. You’ll receive a general anaesthetic, so that you don’t feel anything during your surgery, and our team will monitor you closely to ensure you’re safe and comfortable throughout. 

During the procedure: 

1. Your consultant orthopaedic surgeon will make a small incision through the skin and muscle of your calf and then through the sheath that surrounds the tendon.

2. A small scope and camera will be used so the procedure is minimally invasive.

3. The damaged tendon will be removed or repaired. 

4. If there’s severe damage to parts of the tendon, the damaged parts may be replaced with tendon taken from another part of your foot.

5. Other repairs may be carried out at the same time.

6. Your consultant will close the layers of muscle and skin around your calf with stitches.

Achilles tendon repair typically takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour, depending on the extent of the injury. If additional procedures are needed, it may take slightly longer. After your surgery is complete, you’ll be able to relax and recover in private, comfortable surroundings, supported by our specialist nursing team.

Achilles tendon repair surgery is a very safe procedure, but as with any surgery, there are some risks involved. Risks may vary with age, the shape of the muscles and tendons in your foot and leg, and your general health and wellbeing. 

Risks of Achilles tendon repair surgery include:

• wound issues, such as infection, bleeding, or delayed healing

• re-rupture of the tendon (especially if recovery precautions are not followed)

• stiffness, reduced ankle movement, or calf weakness

• numbness or irritation of nearby nerves (for example, the sural nerve)

• deep vein thrombosis (DVT) due to immobilisation

• continued pain in the foot or ankle

Your consultant will explain exactly how to prepare, including any fasting requirements. This usually means not eating or drinking for 6 hours before surgery. It’s also important to let your consultant know about any medications you take, including over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or aspirin. You’ll also need to arrange for someone to collect you after your operation.

After your operation, you’ll be able to relax in private, comfortable surroundings as you recover from the anaesthetic, supported by our dedicated nursing team. To protect the repair and allow the tendon to heal, your leg will be placed in a cast or boot to limit movement. Once you’ve been reviewed by your consultant and are comfortable, you’ll be able to go home the same day.

Your consultant will talk you through your personalised recovery and rehabilitation plan, tailored to your lifestyle, activity goals, and the extent of your injury. You’ll be given specific advice on pain relief, wound care, gentle exercises, and the use of cold compression therapy or supportive devices to reduce swelling and protect the tendon. 

In the early weeks, rest and elevation are important, but as healing progresses, you’ll gradually begin to restore strength, flexibility, and balance.

Recovery varies from person to person, but a typical process is:

• weeks 1 and 2: your foot is kept still in a cast or boot, and you’ll use crutches to avoid weight-bearing

• weeks 3 to 6: you’ll transition to a walking boot and begin gentle, controlled movement

• after 6 weeks: walking increases gradually, with light jogging and strengthening exercises slowly introduced

• after 6 months: you’ll work towards a full return to activity as strength and flexibility continue to improve

Please contact the Surgery Centre for pricing.

At Welbeck, our orthopaedic surgeons are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book an Achilles tendon repair, you must be referred by either your GP or an orthopaedic surgeon following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this treatment.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.