The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. Stretching from the heel to the calf, it plays a crucial role in movement. It works when we walk, run, climb stairs, stand on tiptoes and jump. Whilst it can withstand great stress, injuries to the Achilles are common. They are normally the result of sudden sharp movements, such as in sport or when sprinting to catch a train where great force shocks through the tendon. The Achilles can also become inflamed from repetitive stress over a number of years as that causes tendon degeneration.
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Achilles Injuries
Achilles rupture
Achilles pain can develop over time but in the case of a rupture, where fibres are torn or completely severed, there will be an immediate pain and it will be difficult to generate power to move the foot. Rest, elevation, ice and refraining from exercise can help along with medication to reduce any swelling and pain. Physiotherapists and podiatrists can advise on stretches and shoe-inserts to correct poor foot posture to improve the condition. A rupture can be treated conservatively with a cast or boot to protect the tendon as the natural healing process takes place over six to eight weeks before a comprehensive rehabilitation programme.
Achilles reconstruction
Achilles repair or reconstruction involves a small incision at the back of the leg with the ends of the tendon sewn back together; a graft from another tendon in your body maybe needed to reinforce the damaged area. The operation is a reliable and trusted procedure that takes place under general anaesthetic with the patient allowed home after around 48 hours. A cast will be needed with a rehabilitation programme normally scheduled for two months’ post operation.
Contact us
To ask a question, make an enquiry or book an appointment, contact our specialist team on 0207 806 4044 or foo[email protected], the team are available between Monday – Friday 8am – 6pm and on Saturday from 9.00am to 3.00pm. Our foot and ankle team have a dedicated and caring approach and will seek to find you the earliest appointment possible with the correct specialist for your needs.
If you do not have a GP, then we have an in-house private GP practice that you can use. Alternatively we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstance.
Foot & Ankle Clinic
This specialist team of highly experienced foot and ankle surgeons, podiatrists and physiotherapists diagnose and manage all foot and ankle related conditions and injuries.
Patient information
Our Hospital is renowned for providing exemplary levels of care across more than 90 services. From orthopaedics, to urology, our private GP practice and Urgent Care Clinic, our services are led by some of London’s leading Consultants. For more information, and to find a service suitable for your care, find out more about the services that we offer.
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Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.
If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.
If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.
*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.
