Achilles Tendon Rupture Treatment in Miami, FL

Achilles Tendon Rupture

The Achilles tendon is the longest and strongest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It enables walking, running, jumping, and other movements by transmitting the force of the calf muscles to the foot.

An Achilles tendon injury can range from tendonitis (inflammation) to a partial or complete rupture, the latter of which often requires immediate medical attention.

Causes

Achilles tendon ruptures are most commonly seen in middle-aged adults and weekend athletes. Ruptures occur when the tendon is weakened due to age, prior tendonitis, or repetitive stress, and then subjected to sudden bursts of activity such as:

• Tennis, basketball, or pickleball
• Running or jumping activities
• Abrupt increases in training intensity

Additional risk factors include:

• Chronic tendon inflammation (tendonitis)
• Medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, or obesity
• Certain medications, including some antibiotics that affect tendon strength

Symptoms

Classic signs of an Achilles tendon rupture include:

• Sudden popping or snapping sensation in the back of the ankle
• Severe pain, swelling, and stiffness
• Bruising along the tendon
• Inability to rise on the toes or push off during walking

Partial tears may present with milder pain, swelling, or stiffness, but still require careful evaluation.

Diagnosis

Dr. Alejandro Pino diagnoses Achilles tendon injuries through:

• Physical examination of the calf and ankle
• Thompson test to check tendon continuity
• Imaging when necessary: ultrasound or MRI to assess the extent of the injury

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to restore normal tendon function, strength, and mobility, allowing patients to return to their previous activity level.

Immediate Care (RICE method):

• Rest: Limit movement of the injured foot
• Ice: Apply cold packs to reduce swelling
• Compression: Wrap the ankle to control swelling
• Elevation: Keep the foot above heart level

Non-Surgical Treatment:

• Immobilization in a cast or boot for approximately 6 weeks
• Gradual weight-bearing as tolerated
• Physical therapy after removal to restore range of motion and calf strength

Surgical Treatment:

Surgery is often recommended for:

• Competitive athletes or highly active adults
• Physical laborers who rely on full ankle strength
• Cases of tendon re-rupture or complete avulsion from the heel

Dr. Pino performs advanced, patient-specific Achilles tendon repair using state-of-the-art constructs:

• The ruptured tendon is anchored directly into the bone through smaller incisions, minimizing soft tissue trauma
• Constructs provide a secure and durable repair, reducing the risk of re-rupture
• This technique allows for earlier mobilization and faster recovery compared with traditional open repair
• Reinforcement with local tendon tissue is used when needed for large or complex tears

Using modern surgical methods, Dr. Pino maximizes tendon healing while minimizing pain, scarring, and recovery time.

Risks and Complications

While generally safe, Achilles tendon repair may carry:

• Infection or bleeding
• Nerve injury
• Blood clots
• Re-rupture of the tendon (rare with proper surgical technique)

Recovery

• Immobilization and limited weight-bearing for several weeks
• Physical therapy to restore strength, flexibility, and gait mechanics
• Gradual return to sports or high-demand activities with careful monitoring

Why Choose Alejandro Pino, MD for Achilles Tendon Injuries

Dr. Alejandro Pino is a fellowship-trained orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon specializing in tendon injuries. Patients choose Dr. Pino because he:

• Uses state-of-the-art, bone-anchored constructs to secure ruptured tendons through smaller incisions
• Offers modern, patient-specific repairs for faster, safer recovery
• Performs minimally invasive and augmented repairs for complex or large tears
• Focuses on early rehabilitation and functional recovery
• Provides individualized care tailored to activity level and lifestyle goals