Achilles Tendon Repair

An Achilles tendon injury can be painful and disruptive. The foot and ankle specialists at Novant Health are here to help you regain mobility and return to the activities you love. We take time to understand your injury, lifestyle and goals to create a treatment plan that supports your recovery every step of the way.

Find a specialist

Find a location

Overview

Non-surgical treatment options

Many Achilles tendon injuries, including partial tears or strains, can heal successfully without surgery. We prioritize gentle, non-invasive approaches whenever possible to support natural healing and minimize risk.

Your treatment plan may include:

Ice and elevation: applying ice for 15–20 minutes every few hours can help reduce swelling and discomfort
Immobilization: a walking boot or cast supports the tendon as it heals and helps protect it from further strain
Medication: over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory medications may be used to manage pain and swelling.
Physical therapy: our therapists create progressive programs that include gentle stretching, strengthening exercises (such as heel drops), and balance training to help restore tendon strength and ankle stability

When surgery is recommended

Surgery may be necessary for complete Achilles ruptures, highly active individuals or cases where non-surgical healing may not be sufficient. Novant Health orthopedic surgeons specialize in timely surgical repair to optimize outcomes and speed recovery.

Reconstructive surgery

Our foot and ankle surgeons use minimally invasive techniques or open repair, which involves a slightly larger incision, to carefully reconnect the tendon. For chronic injuries, tissue from another part of the body or a donor may be used to support healing. Advanced procedures, including percutaneous repair, help reduce incision size, promote recovery and lower the risk of complications, so you can get back to your daily activities safely.

Most procedures are done within a few weeks of your injury, with regional anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Imaging may be used to guide the treatment with precision.

What to expect after surgery

Recovery at Novant Health follows a structured plan designed to promote healing and gradual progress:

Early phase (weeks 1–6): non-weight-bearing with crutches, with a focus on swelling control and gentle range-of-motion exercises
Intermediate phase (weeks 6–12): gradual transition out of the boot, with physical therapy emphasizing calf strengthening and balance
Return to activity: most patients safely return to sports within four to six months, with guidance from our specialists and individualized functional assessments

Your multidisciplinary care team adjusts your plan as you progress and checks in regularly to support the best possible outcome.

Protecting your Achilles in the future

Your care team works with you to help reduce the risk of re-injury by sharing practical guidance, including:

Incorporating calf stretching and strengthening into your routine
Wearing supportive footwear and using custom orthotics when recommended
Gradually increasing training intensity, especially for runners and athletes
Addressing biomechanical concerns, such as flat feet, with specialist support

Take the next step

Our board-certified specialists are here to help you heal. They can often diagnose the problem in one visit and get you started with a personalized treatment plan. We offer a wide variety of treatment options.