Can you lengthen achilles tendon

Achilles tendon lengthening ATL is a surgical procedure that aims to stretch the Achilles tendon to allow a person to walk flat-footed without a bend in the knee, or to bring relief to chronic pain. This procedure elongates a contracted Achilles tendon by making small cuts on the tendons at the back of the ankle.

As the wounds heal, the tendons elongate. There are several conditions that can cause Achilles contracture. These conditions cause issues with mobility of the ankle and they include:. ATL surgery is performed to improve your standing and walking, and sometimes the ability to wear shoes.

It can also be used to correct muscle spasticity. Before surgery, you are placed under anesthesia then the back of the ankle is positioned to face the surgeon. There are three primary procedures used in ATL surgery. The first is the percutaneous method. In this procedure, small incisions are made in the tendon through the skin using stab wounds. There are many reasons why surgeons recommend Achilles tendon lengthening. Probably the most common procedure we do this on today is a flatfoot reconstruction.

In a flatfoot, the Achilles becomes too tight and actually becomes a deforming force to push the heel in to more valgus and make the flatfoot even worse. Other common reasons the Achilles needs to be lengthening including chronic plantar forefoot diabetic wounds and other chronic plantar forefoot pain, such as metatarsalgia, that doesn't improve with conservative measures like stretching and using orthotics.

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News Events. Contact Us Careers Medical Forms. Site search. Achilles Tendon Lengthening ATL Surgery This procedure treats tendon contracture from chronic tendonitis - also known as short or contracted Achilles tendon. Common symptoms include: Extensive pain in the Achilles tendon Toes positioned abnormally Foot remaining in a bent position causing flat foot, forcing the knees to bend Back of feet experiencing discomfort Poor posture Stiff foot muscles otherwise called muscle spasticity If you are experiencing these or related symptoms, schedule an appointment with a Resurgens Physician today.

Back to top How to Prepare for an Achilles Tendon Lengthening Procedure During your initial visit, you will undergo a series of diagnostic screenings that will help your physician determine the extent of your condition. Primary treatment methods include: Percutaneous Method During this procedure, your doctor punctures the outside of the skin.

Gastrocnemius Recession This procedure loosens muscle fibers bound to the cord. Z-Plasty This procedure allows for the greatest control over tendon size. A brief overview of risks associated with ATL procedures includes: Severing of the tendon during or after surgery Damage may prevent blood flow to the tendon Longer recovery time An over lengthened tendon can create too much weight on your foot.

Pressure injuries can form on the time The tendon may not loosen after surgery Severing of the tendon during or after surgery Additional surgery to correct complications Your Resurgens Physician will be able to discuss these risks with you in more detail before your appointment.

Back to top Post Achilles Tendon Lengthening Surgery and Recovery Your treatment option will vary depending on the severity of your condition. Limit aggressive physical activity to allow the tendon to heal Keep away from hot tubs, pools, and related recreation that can cause infection.

Refrain from putting weight on the affected foot as this can compromise the surgery. Once injured, the Achilles tendon can cause major problems in movement. Many patients can recover full motion through aggressive Physical Therapy, but in some cases surgery is required. This is the most conservative and non-invasive way to treat this condition. The therapist will design a rehabilitation program that will address the strength and flexibility of the ankle.

Many times there are trigger points located throughout the gastrocnemius and soleus calf muscles that can limit the pliability of the soft tissues of ankle. If physical therapy does not resolve the issue, a surgeon might determine that the only solution to the problem will be to surgically lengthen the Achilles tendon. After surgery, foot and ankle are secured in a neutral position and placed in a cast for weeks to begin the healing process. An extensive physical therapy rehabilitation program follows the initial healing in order to re-develop the strength and gain the remaining motion that is not obtained by the surgical procedure alone.

Lengthening the Achilles tendon is a procedure that can be performed to normalize the anatomical alignment of the foot and ankle complex.