The Achilles tendon — the largest and strongest tendon in the human body — connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, enabling you to walk, run, jump, and push off the ground. Despite its strength, it’s also one of the most commonly injured tendons, especially among athletes and active adults.
Achilles tendon injuries range from mild inflammation (tendonitis) to partial or complete tears (ruptures). These conditions often result from overuse, sudden increases in physical activity, or direct trauma.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, provides comprehensive care for Achilles tendon injuries — from conservative treatment and rehabilitation to advanced surgical repair. Serving patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, Dr. Burke’s approach emphasizes restoring strength, flexibility, and confidence in every step.
Achilles tendon injuries occur when the tendon is stretched beyond its capacity or subjected to repetitive strain without adequate recovery.
Common causes include:
- Overuse or repetitive motion during running, jumping, or high-impact exercise
- Sudden acceleration or pivoting movements in sports like basketball, tennis, or soccer
- Poor conditioning or tight calf muscles, which increase tendon stress
- Improper footwear that lacks heel or arch support
- Abrupt increases in training intensity or returning to activity too quickly after rest
- Age-related degeneration, as the tendon loses elasticity over time
Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or arthritis, and medications like corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can also weaken the tendon and raise injury risk.
- 1. Achilles Tendonitis: Inflammation caused by repetitive strain. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and stiffness at the back of the heel, especially in the morning.
- 2. Achilles Tendinosis: Chronic degeneration from untreated tendonitis, marked by thickening and persistent pain.
- 3. Partial Tear: Microscopic or small ruptures that cause sharp pain and localized tenderness.
- 4. Complete Rupture: A full tear, often accompanied by a snapping sound, sudden pain, and loss of strength in pushing off the foot.
Depending on the severity of injury, symptoms may include:
- Sharp or burning pain in the back of the ankle or calf
- Swelling or tenderness above the heel
- Stiffness and weakness during walking or running
- Difficulty standing on tiptoe or climbing stairs
- A popping sensation at the time of injury (for ruptures)
- A visible gap or indentation in severe cases
Early treatment is key to preventing long-term complications such as chronic pain or re-rupture.
Dr. Burke begins with a detailed physical examination, checking for tenderness, swelling, and strength deficits in the affected leg. Diagnostic imaging may include:
- Ultrasound to assess tendon thickness and tears
- MRI to confirm partial or complete rupture and identify inflammation or scar tissue
- X-rays to rule out associated bone injuries or heel spurs
Accurate diagnosis helps guide whether conservative therapy or surgical intervention will best restore full function.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Mild to moderate Achilles tendon injuries can often be treated conservatively.
Dr. Burke may recommend:
- R.I.C.E. therapy — Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation to manage pain and swelling
- Immobilization in a walking boot or brace to protect the tendon
- Heel lifts to reduce strain on the tendon
- Anti-inflammatory medications for short-term pain control
- Focusing on stretching, strengthening, and eccentric loading exercises
- To stimulate natural healing in chronic tendon injuries
Surgical Treatments
Surgery may be required for severe tears, ruptures, or chronic tendon degeneration unresponsive to conservative care.
Common procedures include:
- Open or minimally invasive tendon repair to reattach torn fibers
- Tendon reconstruction when tissue quality is poor or the tear is longstanding
- Arthroscopy to remove scar tissue or address associated joint issues
Dr. Burke employs advanced surgical techniques that minimize scarring and reduce recovery time, followed by structured rehabilitation for optimal strength and mobility.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
Recovery timelines vary depending on injury type and treatment method:
- Tendonitis: 4–6 weeks with therapy and modified activity
- Partial tears: 6–8 weeks of immobilization followed by gradual therapy
- Complete ruptures (surgical repair): 3–6 months for full recovery
Rehabilitation goals include restoring range of motion, calf strength, and balance to prevent re-injury. Physical therapy is essential for a safe and lasting return to activity.
Prevention Tips:
- Warm up properly before physical activity
- Strengthen calf and ankle muscles
- Avoid sudden increases in exercise intensity
- Wear supportive footwear with good shock absorption
- Stretch daily to maintain flexibility in the Achilles and calves
When to Seek Medical Care
You should seek immediate orthopedic evaluation if you experience:
- A sudden sharp pain or “pop” in the back of the ankle
- Inability to push off or stand on tiptoe
- Swelling, bruising, or weakness that persists beyond a few days
- Recurrent stiffness or pain after physical activity
Prompt treatment ensures proper tendon healing and reduces the risk of chronic damage or re-rupture.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we proudly serve patients throughout Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, offering expert care for sports injuries, tendon disorders, and complex orthopedic conditions. Our patient-centered approach ensures every treatment plan supports long-term recovery and lasting comfort.
Restore Strength and Mobility with Expert Care
If you’ve suffered an Achilles tendon injury, don’t wait to get evaluated. Early orthopedic intervention improves recovery outcomes and prevents future complications.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule your consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon serving Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas.
Our team provides comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation to help you regain strength and confidence in every step.
