Achilles Tears Singapore: Can a Completely Torn Achilles Tendon Heal Without Surgery?

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. It connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and facilitates core activities like walking, running, and jumping.

The problem is that despite its strength, the Achilles tendon can still suffer injuries. Some of the most common injuries we treat for Achilles tears in Singapore include tears, due to overuse, accidents, or sudden strain. Read more on this page: https://www.coveorthopaedics.com.sg/conditions-we-treat/foot-ankle/achilles-tears/

Now, an Achilles tear refers to a partial or complete rupture of this tendon. Partial tears may cause pain and swelling.

However, they may still allow for some movement. A complete tear, however, causes a total disconnection.

This means that with a complete tear, the affected leg will be left unable to support the body or move effectively. Achilles tears are common among athletes and individuals who engage in high-impact activities.

On this page we answer the question; can a completely torn Achilles heal without surgery? Keep reading!

What Happens When the Achilles Tendon Is Completely Torn?

Achilles tears are some of the most serious injuries among athletes and active individuals. So, it is natural if you suspect that you may have suffered a torn Achilles tendon and are wondering what actually happens when the Achilles tendon is torn completely.

When the Achilles tendon is completely torn, it loses its ability to transmit force from the calf muscles to the heel. This causes significant symptoms like sudden pain, swelling and bruising, difficulty walking, inability to push off and visible deformity.

After the injury, you may experience a sharp, intense pain in the back of the ankle or calf. Some describe it as feeling like being hit by a sharp object.

The area around the ankle and lower leg swells, often accompanied by discoloration. With no connection between the calf and heel, walking becomes challenging or even impossible in extreme cases.

You may not be able to rise onto your toes or push off the ground while walking. In some cases, the gap where the tendon has ruptured can be felt under the skin.

Can a Completely Torn Achilles Tendon Heal Without Surgery?

Having surgery would mean that you will need to spend some time on the healing table. This may translate to lost time and form especially if you’re an athlete thus the question; can a completely torn tendon heal without surgery?

The answer is yes, healing a completely torn Achilles tendon without surgery is possible but only in some cases. The decision to choose not to proceed with surgery for your Achilles tendon will depend on several factors including;

• The Nature of the Tear:The location and type of the tear significantly influence treatment. A clean tear where the ends of the tendon remain close together has a higher chance of healing without surgery. On the other hand, if the ends are far apart, surgery may be needed.
• Your Activity Level:Non-surgical treatment may be more suitable if you’re someone with low physical activity demands. For example, older adults or those who lead sedentary lifestyles may opt for conservative management. However, if you’re an athlete or an active individual, you may want to choose surgery to restore full strength and mobility.
• Use of Functional Bracing:Advancements in bracing techniques have improved outcomes for non-surgical treatments. Functional braces position the foot in a way that allows the torn ends of the tendon to reconnect. This method encourages natural healing while protecting the tendon.
• Risks and Complications:The problem with non-surgical treatments for completely torn tendons is that they come with a higher risk of re-rupture compared to surgical repair. With this in mind, you must weigh the risks and benefits with your provider before deciding.
• Rehabilitation Commitment:Both surgical and non-surgical treatments require intensive physiotherapy. If you are choosing conservative methods, you must be highly committed to rehabilitation for successful recovery. Lack of this commitment may significantly increase your risks of suffering a re-rupture of the tendon.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for a Completely Torn Achilles Tendon

If you and your provider have agreed on non-surgical treatment for your torn Achilles tendon, there are several options that may benefit you. Non-surgical treatments focus on immobilizing the tendon and allowing natural healing.

Options include; functional bracing or casting, rest and immobilization, physiotherapy, and Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) therapy among others. A functional brace or cast keeps the foot in a pointed position (plantarflexion).

This alignment brings the torn ends of the tendon closer to encourage healing. Over several weeks, the angle is gradually adjusted to return the foot to a neutral position.

If you’re recommended rest and immobilization, crutches or a wheelchair may be needed during the initial phase. Physiotherapy remains crucial for restoring strength and flexibility.

You will want to begin gentle exercises once the tendon shows signs of healing. Over time, more intense exercises can be introduced to rebuild functionality.

PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets from the patient’s blood into the injured area. This method may speed up the healing process by promoting tissue repair. You will need to maintain frequent follow-ups with a specialist to ensure the tendon is healing correctly. During the follow up appointments, your provider may recommend imaging tests like ultrasounds to track progress.

So, is Surgery Worth it for a Completely Torn Achilles Tendon?

As you have seen, surgery isn’t the only option for the treatment of Achilles tears in Singapore. To tell for sure if it is worth it for you or not, you may want to compare the advantages vs disadvantages of non-surgical treatment options for Achilles tears in Singapore. First, the advantages;

Non-surgical treatment for Achilles tears allows for the avoidance of surgical risks like infection or anesthesia complications. You also enjoy shorter initial recovery period.

What’s more, you will get lower cost compared to surgery. However, it comes with higher risk of re-rupture.

You may also suffer slightly reduced strength and functionality compared to surgical repair. Importantly, it requires strict adherence to rehabilitation protocols.

In Closing

A completely torn Achilles tendon can heal without surgery in certain cases. You’re in luck if considering treatment for Achilles tears in Singapore as you can easily access advanced medical care and tailored treatment plans here.

As a general rule, be sure to consult a specialist to determine the best approach for your condition. To schedule an assessment with a knowledgeable Achilles tears doctor in Singapore, call or visit us at;