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Do I Need Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery or Laser Therapy?

Achilles tendon repair in Brooklyn can be beneficial for people from all walks of life. An inflamed Achilles tendon can be painful and put an end to an active lifestyle. Because the Achilles tendon is the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone, it can end up bearing a large stress load when you walk and run. Luckily, there are two methods for Achilles tendon treatment. This article will discuss both treatments and which may work for you. Best Foot Doctor NY provides Achilles tendon repair in Brooklyn and surrounding areas!

What Are the Symptoms of an Overworked Achilles Tendon? 

Brooklyn’s Best Podiatrist Answers:

A worn out Achilles tendon can bring about a number of excruciating symptoms. In fact, an Achilles tendon rupture is the most common tendon rupture in the lower extremity of the body, with many adults experiencing this injury between their 30s and 50s. Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon that is characterized by pain at the back of the leg or heel that worsens with prolonged sports and activity.  Other symptoms of Achilles tendonitis and overuse include: 

  • Pain and stiffness of the area in the morning
  • Pain in the Achilles tendon when touched or moved
  • Swelling and/or warmth in the heel or along the tendon
  • Difficulty standing up on one toe
  • Severe pain after running, sprinting, going up stairs, etc. 

Achilles tendon pain can slow down any athlete or active person. Luckily, there are a few treatment options available if you are dealing with Achilles tendonitis.

Image of podiatrist patient receiving laser therapy for the Achilles tendon - Do I Need Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery or Laser Therapy?

What Are My Options for Achilles Tendonitis Treatment? 

For Achilles tendon repair in Brooklyn, you will want to sit down and consult with an expert podiatrist. The two main methods to treat a worn Achilles tendon are laser therapy and surgery. What do these treatments consist of, and which one is right for you? 

Laser Therapy for Achilles Tendon Repair in Brooklyn

MLS class 4 Laser therapy is a great option for Achilles tendon treatment if you are looking for another treatment besides surgery. When it comes to an inflamed Achilles tendon, studies have shown that laser therapy can speed up the healing process significantly. 

MLS class 4 Laser therapy is performed by using lasers to activate the Achilles tendon and increase blood flow. By increasing blood flow, the healing process is significantly sped up. After laser therapy is complete, the healing process lasts about one month. Then patients are usually ready to carry on with their daily activities with a mended and stronger Achilles tendon!

Surgery

Another form of Achilles tendon repair treatment offered in Brooklyn is surgery. The surgical repair of an Achilles tendon is performed in an outpatient setting and patients can go home the same day. There are two main types of surgery techniques performed on patients with an injured or ruptured Achilles tendon: 

  • Open Repair which is the most common form of Achilles tendon surgery. A vertical incision is made on the back of the lower leg above the heel bone. Then, the surgeon locates and sews together the two ends of the ruptured tendon. 
  • Percutaneous Repair involves making a smaller incision on the back of the lower leg at the site of the tendon rupture. Needles with sutures attached are then passed through the skin and Achilles tendon and brought out through the incision. After, the sutures are tied together. 

If a patient is not interested in laser therapy for Achilles tendonitis treatment, surgery is an efficient option. The surgery healing process takes between 4 to 8 weeks. If you are looking to consult for foot surgery in Brooklyn, turn to Best Foot Doctor NY!

Read more in our blog: 4 Things to Expect After Achilles Tendon Rupture Surgery

Need Achilles Tendon Repair in Brooklyn? 

So now the question arises, which Achilles tendonitis treatment should you pick? If you are interested in something less invasive, laser therapy may be the treatment method for you. However, if you are indifferent to the invasiveness of a procedure and are just looking for a thorough treatment for Achilles tendon pain, surgery may be the right call for you.

However, you can also discuss the best treatment with an expert podiatrist. If you are interested in Achilles tendon repair or other foot surgery in Brooklyn, then pay a visit to the team at Best Foot Doctor NY. When you are suffering from Achilles tendon pain and other debilitating symptoms, you can turn to Best Foot Doctor NY for a thorough consultation! Contact us now

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