Achilles Tendon Repair

Replacing the worn ankle joint surfaces with metal and polyethylene components to relieve arthritis pain while preserving motion, as an alternative to fusion.

Total Ankle Replacement

Reattaching or stitching together a ruptured Achilles tendon, through a small incision, so it heals at the right length and strength returns.

Achilles Tendon Repair

Camera-guided ankle surgery through small incisions for cartilage lesions, bone spurs, loose bodies, impingement and ligament stabilization.

Ankle Arthroscopy

A staged plan for heel pain: stretching, footwear and night splints first, then injections or shockwave, with surgical release reserved for the rare case that fails everything.

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Correcting hammertoes, claw toes, crossover toes and painful forefoot deformities so the toes lie flat and shoes stop rubbing.

Forefoot and Toe Correction

Prevention and treatment of diabetic foot problems: ulcers, infection, Charcot joint collapse and deformity, from offloading and wound care through reconstructive surgery.

Diabetic Foot Care

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

TextSend a text

Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330

Nondiscrimination Accessibility Good Faith Estimate

Find a clinic

What it is

Achilles Tendon Repair

The Achilles is the largest tendon in the body and ruptures with a sudden push-off, often described as being kicked in the back of the leg.

Repair stitches the two ends together through a small incision so the tendon heals at its original length.Chronic ruptures and tears at the heel bone attachment are repaired with additional techniques, sometimes with tendon transfer.

At a glance

SettingOutpatient

AnesthesiaBlock or general

Surgery timeAbout 1 hour

Running6 to 9 months

Performed by

Daniel Hoopes, MD, Foot and Ankle surgeon at Ridgeline Orthopedic Specialists

Dr. HoopesFoot and Ankle

Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

or call801-640-0000

Achilles Tendon Repair

Who It Helps

Repair fits active patients who want the lowest re-rupture risk and the most reliable push-off strength, and anyone whose rupture is diagnosed late or has a large gap.Some patients do well with functional bracing without surgery, and Dr. Hoopes will lay out the trade-offs honestly.

Achilles Tendon Repair

What to Expect

Outpatient surgery under regional block or general anesthesia, about an hour.A splint with the foot pointed down afterward.Repair is ideally within two weeks of the injury.Weekend basketball and pickleball are our top Achilles rupture sources; repair is scheduled within two weeks at a Provo or Orem surgery center. Dr. Hoopes operates at Utah Valley Hospital and Timpanogos Regional Hospital.

Achilles Tendon Repair

Recovery Timeline

Protected weight bearing in a boot with heel wedges from about two weeks, with the wedges removed progressively.Shoes at eight to ten weeks, and return to running and sport at six to nine months.Early protected motion improves tendon strength compared with prolonged casting.

Milestones

Week 2Boot with heel wedges

Weeks 2 to 8Wedges removed in steps

Week 8 to 10Shoes

Month 6 to 9Running and sport

Achilles Tendon Repair

Risks and Considerations

Wound healing problems and infection are the most important risks because the skin over the Achilles is thin.Re-rupture, sural nerve numbness, stiffness and blood clots are others.Calf strength typically recovers to near normal but the calf often remains slightly smaller.

Achilles Tendon Repair

Your Surgeons

Dr. Hoopes performs this procedure at Utah Valley Hospital, Timpanogos Regional Hospital, Orem Community Hospital, Spanish Fork Hospital, American Fork Hospital and Mountain Point Medical Center.

Dr. Hoopes, MD

Fellowship trained in foot and ankle surgery at the University of Washington and Harborview Medical Center. Twelve years in practice.

Achilles Tendon Repair

Related Procedures and Conditions

Ankle Arthroscopy

Achilles Tendinitis

Ankle Instability

or call801-640-0000

ContactTalk toa real person.

Two clinics, one number to call or text. Same-day appointments for acute injuries whenever we can. The front desk will match you with the right surgeon.

Call801-640-0000

TextSend a text

Provo1055 N 300 W, Ste 104

Orem700 W 800 N, Ste 330