The Achilles tendon, the strongest tendon in the body, connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and plays a crucial role in walking, running, and jumping. Injuries such as tendon rupture, degeneration, or chronic tendinopathy can lead to pain, swelling, and impaired mobility.

When conservative treatments—including rest, physiotherapy, orthotics, or injections—fail, TendoAchilles surgery can repair or reconstruct the damaged tendon, enabling patients to return to daily activities and sports.

Mr. Turab Syed, an experienced consultant orthopaedic surgeon specialising in foot and ankle surgery, performs TendoAchilles surgery 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 TendoAchilles surgery?

TendoAchilles surgery involves repairing or reconstructing a damaged Achilles tendon. The procedure can be performed in several ways depending on the severity and type of injury:

• Primary repair – stitching torn ends of the tendon together.
• Tendon graft or augmentation – using nearby tendons (e.g., FHL) to strengthen or replace damaged tendon.
• Debridement – removal of degenerated tissue in chronic tendinopathy.

It is most commonly recommended for:

• Acute Achilles tendon rupture.
• Chronic Achilles tendinopathy not responding to conservative care.
• Partial tendon tears.
• Recurrent tendon injuries.

Benefits of surgery include pain relief, restored tendon strength, and improved mobility for walking, running, or sports.

Who can benefit from TendoAchilles surgery?

Ideal candidates include patients who:

• Experience persistent Achilles tendon pain or weakness despite non-surgical treatments.
• Have suffered a tendon rupture or partial tear.
• Find walking, running, or sports limited due to tendon damage.

Mr. Syed performs a detailed assessment, including physical examination and imaging such as X-rays or MRI scans, to determine the most appropriate surgical approach.

TendoAchilles surgery in Stirling & Hamilton: The procedure

Pre-operative preparation

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

• Consultation to discuss the procedure and answer questions.
• Imaging for accurate diagnosis and surgical planning.
• Pre-operative checks, including blood tests.
• Instructions on fasting and medication adjustments if necessary.

The surgery itself

TendoAchilles surgery is typically performed under general or spinal anaesthesia and may involve:

• Making a small or moderate incision over the Achilles tendon.
• Repairing or reconstructing the tendon using sutures or tendon grafts.
• Removing degenerated tissue if necessary.
• Closing the incision and applying a supportive cast or boot.
• The procedure usually lasts 1–2 hours depending on complexity.

Surgeries are performed at:

• Kings Park Hospital, Stirling (Polmaise Rd, FK7 9JH) – offering modern theatres and dedicated post-operative support.
• The Lanarkshire Clinic, Hamilton (Cadzow Avenue, ML3 0FT) – a private healthcare setting with advanced orthopaedic care.

Both facilities are easily accessible for patients across 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 management is provided with prescribed medication.
• Elevation and limited weight-bearing help reduce swelling and support healing.

Recovery and aftercare

Recovery generally follows these timelines:

• 0–6 weeks: Non-weight-bearing with crutches and immobilisation.
• 6–12 weeks: Gradual progression to partial, then full weight-bearing.
• 12–16 weeks: Physiotherapy to restore calf and Achilles strength, flexibility, and balance.
• 4–6 months: Return to normal activities and gradual resumption of sports, depending on healing and rehabilitation.

Physiotherapy is essential for optimal recovery and preventing re-injury.

Risks and complications

TendoAchilles surgery is generally safe, but potential risks include:

• Infection at the surgical site.
• Delayed tendon healing or rerupture.
• Scar sensitivity or numbness.
• Reduced strength or flexibility if rehabilitation is inadequate.

Mr. Syed uses meticulous surgical techniques and close follow-up care to minimise risks and promote safe recovery.

Why choose Mr. Turab Syed in Stirling & Hamilton?

• Specialist in foot and ankle surgery with extensive experience in tendon repair and reconstruction.
• Advanced surgical techniques to restore function and optimise recovery.
• Personalised patient care from consultation through post-operative rehabilitation.
• Accessible locations at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling and The Lanarkshire Clinic in Hamilton.

FAQs

Is TendoAchilles surgery painful?
Some discomfort is expected initially, but pain is effectively managed with medication.

How long is recovery?
Non-weight-bearing lasts approximately 6 weeks, with full recovery usually within 4–6 months.

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

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

Book your consultation

If Achilles tendon pain or injury is affecting your mobility, TendoAchilles surgery with Mr. Turab Syed can restore function and relieve pain.

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