The Achilles tendon, connecting the calf muscles to the heel, is essential for walking, running, and jumping. Overuse, degeneration, or injury can lead to Achilles tendinopathy, characterised by pain, swelling, and reduced function.

When conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, rest, orthotics, or injections fail, FHL tendon reconstruction provides a surgical solution. This procedure transfers the FHL tendon to reinforce or replace the damaged Achilles tendon, relieving pain and restoring tendon strength.

Mr. Turab Syed, an experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle surgery, performs FHL reconstruction at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling and The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton. This guide explains the procedure, recovery, risks, and why patients choose Mr. Syed.

What is FHL reconstruction?

FHL reconstruction involves using the Flexor Hallucis Longus tendon—a tendon that helps bend the big toe—to support or replace the damaged Achilles tendon.

The procedure is most commonly recommended for:

• Chronic insertional Achilles tendinopathy (pain at the tendon’s attachment to the heel).
• Non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy (pain in the middle portion of the tendon).
• Degenerative tendon changes that do not respond to conservative treatment.
• Partial tendon tears or rupture.

FHL reconstruction provides:

• Pain relief.
• Restoration of Achilles tendon strength.
• Improved mobility and function for daily activities and sports.

Who can benefit from FHL reconstruction?

Ideal candidates include patients who:

• Have persistent Achilles tendon pain despite physiotherapy, rest, or injections.
• Experience swelling, stiffness, or reduced activity due to tendon degeneration.
• Wish to regain function for walking, running, or sports.

Mr. Syed performs a thorough assessment, including physical examination and imaging (X-rays or MRI), to confirm suitability for surgery.

FHL reconstruction in Stirling & Hamilton: The procedure

Pre-operative preparation

Before surgery, Mr. Syed ensures patients are fully prepared, including:

• Detailed consultation to explain the procedure and address questions.
• Imaging to assess tendon damage and surgical planning.
• Pre-operative checks such as blood tests.
• Instructions on fasting and medication management.

The surgery itself

FHL reconstruction is performed under general or regional anaesthesia. The procedure involves:

• A small incision near the Achilles tendon.
• Harvesting or mobilising the FHL tendon.
• Transferring and attaching the FHL tendon to reinforce or replace the damaged Achilles tendon.
• Closure of the incision with sutures.
• The procedure typically lasts 1.5–2 hours.

Surgery is performed at:

• Kings Park Hospital, Stirling (Polmaise Rd, FK7 9JH) – modern theatres with specialised foot and ankle support.
• The Lanarkshire Clinic, Hamilton (Cadzow Avenue, ML3 0FT) – private orthopaedic care with advanced facilities.

Both hospitals are accessible to patients throughout Stirling, Lanarkshire, and surrounding areas.

Duration and post-op care

After surgery:

• Most patients stay overnight for monitoring.
• The ankle is immobilised in a cast or boot.
• Pain is managed with prescribed medication.
• Elevation and limited weight-bearing reduce swelling.

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery timelines typically follow:

• 0–6 weeks: Non-weight-bearing with crutches and immobilisation.
• 6–12 weeks: Gradual progression to partial, then full weight-bearing.
• 12–16 weeks: Gentle physiotherapy to restore strength and range of motion.
• 4–6 months: Return to normal activities, with gradual increase in exercise intensity.

Physiotherapy is crucial to regain Achilles and calf strength, flexibility, and balance.

Risks and complications

FHL reconstruction is generally safe, but potential risks include:

• Infection at the surgical site.
• Delayed tendon healing or non-union.
• Numbness or scar sensitivity.
• Reduced toe flexion (rare).

Mr. Syed employs meticulous surgical techniques and provides close follow-up to minimise risks.

Why choose Mr. Turab Syed in Stirling & Hamilton?

• Specialist in foot and ankle surgery with extensive experience in tendon reconstruction.
• Advanced techniques preserving function and optimising recovery.
• Personalised patient care from consultation through rehabilitation.
• Convenient locations at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling and The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton.

FAQs

Is FHL reconstruction painful?
Some discomfort is expected, managed with medication. Pain usually improves steadily after initial recovery.

How long does recovery take?
Non-weight-bearing lasts about 6 weeks, with full recovery typically within 4–6 months.

Will I need physiotherapy?
Yes, physiotherapy is essential to restore strength, flexibility, and tendon function.

Can I return to sports after surgery?
Most patients can gradually return to sporting activities once tendon strength and flexibility are restored.

Book your consultation

If Achilles tendon pain is limiting your mobility, FHL reconstruction with Mr. Turab Syed can provide relief and restore function.

Book a consultation today at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling or The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton to discuss your personalised treatment plan.