Achilles tendon repair is a type of surgical procedure performed to fix a damaged Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is a thick band of tissue along the back of the lower leg that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. The main function of the Achilles tendon is to transmit force from the calf muscles down to the foot when the person pushes the foot off the ground (in running and jumping) and helps to control the position of the ankle when the foot lands back on the ground. If the tendon is ruptured, the surgeon will stich the tendon back together. Sometimes, if the injury is chronic or the quality of the tissue is poor, local tissue such as tendon grafts or fascia can be used to reinforce the repair.

Post-operative rehabilitation following Achilles tendon repair is vital in regaining motion, strength, flexibility and function. Initially a walking boot is used for the first 4-6 weeks. Gradually more weight bearing, and mobility is allowed to prevent stiffness. The rehabilitation progresses slowly into strengthening, gait and balance activities. At MoveFree Physio we provide criterion-based progression protocol for Achilles tendon repair.