Restoring Strength and Stability After Tendon Injury
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, but it's also one of the most vulnerable to injury. A rupture or significant tear can make walking painful, unstable, and in some cases impossible without surgical intervention. At Valley Podiatry and Wound Care Center, Dr. Samuel Enyew performs Achilles and tendon repair surgery for patients throughout Mission, Rio Grande City, Weslaco and the Rio Grande Valley, using techniques focused on restoring full tendon function and getting patients back to the activities they depend on.
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Conditions Treated With Tendon Surgery
Tendon surgery may be recommended when significant tears, chronic degeneration, or persistent pain do not improve with conservative treatment. Each procedure is carefully planned to restore tendon function, improve stability, and help you return to your daily activities as safely as possible.
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF) of the Foot and Ankle
A complete or partial rupture of the Achilles tendon most commonly occurs during sudden bursts of activity, a misstep, or direct trauma to the back of the lower leg. Patients often describe hearing or feeling a pop at the moment of injury, followed by significant pain, swelling, and an inability to push off the foot. Surgical repair reconnects the torn tendon ends, restores tension, and significantly improves long-term outcomes compared to non-surgical management in active patients.
- Surgical reattachment of torn tendon ends
- Reinforcement of the repair when tendon tissue is compromised
- Minimally invasive techniques where appropriate to reduce recovery burden
- Post-operative bracing and structured rehabilitation protocol
Chronic Achilles Tendinopathy
When Achilles tendinopathy has been present for an extended period without adequate healing, the tendon tissue can undergo degenerative changes that make conservative treatment ineffective. In these cases, surgical debridement removes damaged tissue and stimulates a healthy healing response.
- Debridement of degenerated tendon tissue
- Removal of calcifications or bone spurs at the tendon insertion when present
- Tendon transfer in advanced cases where significant tissue loss has occurred
- Targeted rehabilitation to rebuild tendon strength post-surgery
Tendon Injury and Tendinopathy Repair
Beyond the Achilles, other tendons of the foot and ankle, including the peroneal and posterior tibial tendons, can sustain tears or degenerative damage that requires surgical repair. The approach depends on which tendon is involved and the extent of the injury.
- Repair or reconstruction of torn or damaged tendon tissue
- Tendon transfer when primary repair is not possible
- Stabilization of surrounding structures contributing to tendon stress
- Rehabilitation guidance tailored to the specific tendon repaired
How We Determine the Right Surgical Approach
Tendon injuries vary significantly in their severity, location, and tissue quality, all of which influence surgical planning. During your consultation at our Mission, Rio Grande City, or Weslaco office, Dr. Enyew will review your injury history and symptom timeline, examine the tendon for integrity, swelling, and functional deficit, and use imaging, including ultrasound or X-ray, to assess the extent of the damage.
This evaluation determines whether primary repair, debridement, or tendon transfer is the most appropriate approach, and sets the foundation for a recovery plan built around your specific injury and activity goals.
Don't Wait on a Tendon Injury
Achilles and tendon injuries that go untreated or are managed conservatively when surgery is needed often result in longer recovery times and poorer functional outcomes. If you're dealing with significant tendon pain, a known rupture, or a chronic tendon problem that hasn't responded to conservative care, schedule a consultation at our Mission, Rio Grande City, or Weslaco office today.
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