Achilles Tendon Repair

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Achilles tendon repair is surgery to fix your damaged Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscle to your heel bone.

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed. Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.

Follow up with your primary healthcare provider or orthopedist as directed:

You may need to return to have your wound checked and your stitches removed. Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Physical therapy:

A physical therapist can teach you exercises to improve strength and range of motion. He may also show you exercises that are not weight bearing, so they will not hurt your Achilles tendon. Do only the exercises advised by your physical therapist or primary healthcare provider.

Crutches or a cane:

You may need crutches or a cane for support when you walk. These devices help decrease stress and strain on your ankle. Put only as much weight on your leg as advised by your primary healthcare provider or orthopedist. Ask for more information about how to use crutches or a cane correctly.

Brace, splint, or cast:

An ankle brace, splint, or cast will help protect your ankle so it can heal faster. It may also help decrease pain. The brace may be locked in place for a time after surgery.

• Do not apply your brace too tightly.
  
  
• Do not push down or lean on the splint or cast, because it may break.
  
  
• Do not use a sharp or pointed object to scratch the skin under the splint or cast.
  
  
• Your primary healthcare provider may let you unlock your ankle brace when you exercise.
  
  
• Check the skin around the splint or cast every day. Put lotion on any red or sore areas.
  
  
• You may take a bath or shower when your primary healthcare provider says it is okay. It is important not to get the splint or cast wet. Before you bathe, cover the splint or cast with 2 plastic trash bags. Tape the bags to your skin to seal out the water. Keep your foot out of the water in case the bags break. You can dry the wet part of the cast with a hair dryer set on low or no heat.

Wound care:

• Keep the bandage clean and dry. Do not remove the bandage over your wound or get it wet unless your orthopedist says it is okay.
  
  
• Wash your hands before and after you care for your wound.
  
  
• Clean the wound as often as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. If you cannot reach the wound, ask for help.
  
  
• If you have steri-strips (thin strips of tape) over the incision, do not pull them off. As they start to peel, let them fall off by themselves.
  
  
• Keep the stitches clean and dry. Do not trim or shorten the ends of your stitches. If they are rubbing on your clothing, put a soft gauze bandage between the stitches and your clothes.

Contact your primary healthcare provider or orthopedist if:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have worsening pain and swelling in your leg, ankle, or foot.
  
  
• Your stitches are swollen, red, or have pus coming from them.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your injury, surgery, or medicine.

Seek care immediately or call 911 if:

• You have chest pain or sudden shortness of breath.
  
  
• Blood soaks through your bandage.
  
  
• Your cast or splint breaks, or gets wet and soft.
  
  
• Your leg, ankle, or foot is numb, tingly, cold, blue, or pale.