Achilles Tendon

To schedule an appointment with our foot and ankle specialists, call 734-936-5780

The Achilles tendon is the large tendon at the back of the ankle that joins the main calf muscles to the heel bone. The tendon is often injured in sports -- either by direct trauma or by repeated small trauma or overuse. Sometimes the Achilles tendon is torn during a non-sports-related injury such as a fall. The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body. That is why, when it is injured, the Achilles tendon is extremely painful and debilitating.

At the University of Michigan Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, we treat Achilles tendon ruptures, tears and other conditions with an integrated approach that uses the skills of our surgeons, physicians, therapists, physiatrists, radiologists and others who are directly involved in your care. 

We work collaboratively to make sure all appropriate avenues of treatment are considered and applied. And, in this way, we develop an individual plan of treatment just for you. 

Treatment for Achilles Tendon Disorders

We will look first at non-surgical ways of treating your condition. 

During your office visit:

  • We will take a complete health history and do a physical examination to determine the severity of your condition, the mechanics of your foot and the areas of your pain.
  • We will look at information from your referring physician, if there is one.
  • We may need to take additional tests to determine the extent of your condition. 

Afterwards, we may suggest specific physical rehabilitation, pain management or a combination of the two. 

Then, if non-surgical treatments don't work -- or if they haven't worked in the past -- we will explore surgery as an option. 

Surgery for Achilles Tendon Disorders

When other treatments don't work, we may suggest surgery. We will be thorough in giving you your surgical options. 

Contact Us / Make an Appointment

  • Please call Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) at 734-936-7175

You're about to make an important decision, and we want to help you make a good one. Visit our Contact Us page to see a list of clinics and their contact information. Our staff will be glad to talk with you about your options and how we can help.