Podiatrists Treat Ruptured Foot Tendons
Your foot is made up of a series of tendons. These tendons help you to turn your foot inwards and outwards. Two of them are the Achilles tendon and the Peroneal tendon. They also help you to balance your foot. You should see a podiatrist if you have problems with these tendons.
Achilles tendon
In most cases, an Achilles tendon tear is a non-life-threatening condition that heals on its own. However, if the tendon is damaged enough to interfere with daily activities, a visit to the doctor is necessary. A mild to moderate tear can be treated at home, though more severe cases may require surgery.
The treatment of an Achilles tendon injury begins with reducing swelling and inflammation. Compression therapy is another important step. It involves wrapping the tendon with a cloth and putting it on the foot for up to 20 minutes. This reduces swelling and inflammation and helps reduce pain. Additionally, wearing an open back shoe can reduce pain and swelling.
If the pain persists after resting, you should limit your activity level. In addition, avoid any activity that places excessive stress on the tendon. You should also make sure to warm up gradually before performing strenuous activities. Avoid over-stretching your Achilles tendon, as this may cause it to rupture. Also, use shoes that provide adequate cushioning on the heel and firm arch support. If you can’t find a shoe with these features, you should replace it with one that does.
After resting for a few days, acute pain from Achilles tendinitis usually subsides. However, some patients may continue to have pain and need long-term treatment. In severe cases, surgical treatment may be necessary. In such cases, the doctor may remove the damaged part of the tendon or alter the length of the calf muscles.
- ✔ WHAT CAN YOU USE THE ACHILLES RUPTURE NIGHT SPLINT TO TREAT? – The splint is designed specifically for Achilles tendon rupture. Rupture means that the tendon is completely torn. The Thetis splint holds your foot plantarflexed (toes down) at 155 degrees. This angle ensures optimal healing. N.B. this splint is NOT SUITABLE for Achilles Tendinitis, Achilles Tendinopathy, Plantar Fasciitis or Broken Bones.
- ✔ WHY DO YOU NEED AN ACHILLES RUPTURE NIGHT SPLINT? – If you have torn your Achilles tendon, this splint makes recovery more comfortable. For three months you are advised to wear a cast or orthopaedic boot to hold your foot plantarflexed (tip-toes). This keeps your tendon in the best position for healing. This position is needed at ALL times, day and night. Nobody likes wearing the boot in bed. The Thetis brace is light and breathable, allowing you to safely rest without the boot.
- ✔ WHEN CAN YOU USE THE ACHILLES RUPTURE NIGHT SPLINT? – The splint is designed to be used instead of your orthopaedic boot, but only when you rest. You cannot walk in the splint without crutches. If you had surgery on your Achilles you should allow two weeks for wound healing (check with your surgeon before use). The splint can be used to provide relief when sitting or lying, giving relief from your orthopaedic boot. You MUST NOT walk or stand in this splint.
- ✔ NON-SLIP ELASTIC STRAPS AND SECURE BOOSTER STRAP – non-slip silicone on the elastic straps maximises both comfort and security. The booster strap wraps around the ankle and features strong, zero-flex webbing to prevent the foot from bending up (dorsiflexion). This ensures optimal positioning to protect the healing tendon. The innovative elastic strap around the heel ensures security without contact against the injured Achilles.
- ✔ THE ONLY ACHILLES RUPTURE SPLINT – This patented product is designed and manufactured in the UK by Achilles splint specialists, Thetis Medical. The brace has been designed alongside specialist Consultant Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Every feature of the splint is clinician approved. The Thetis Achilles Rupture Night splint is unique – it is the only lightweight purpose-made device suitable for resting while you recover from an Achilles rupture.
Last update on 2026-04-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Peroneal tendons
Inflammation of the peroneal tendons can lead to pain and instability. Physical examination and imaging tests may be required to determine the cause. Initially, treatment may include rest and anti-inflammatory medication, which helps reduce pain and inflammation. Compression bandaging is another option. The tendon may need surgical repair.
Peroneal tendonitis is often the result of overuse of the foot. It can develop slowly and become more painful over time. Sports that require repetitive motion are known to increase the risk. In most cases, the condition is treatable with rest and the RICE principle, which stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Physical therapy may also be helpful for patients.
Treatment of peroneal tendon injuries depends on the type of injury and the severity. For mild peroneal tendonitis, conservative management is often sufficient. In some cases, steroid injections or braces may be necessary. Physical therapy may help patients regain strength and range of motion. Surgical treatment may be required in severe cases, but there is a significant risk of infection. In addition, surgery can damage the sural nerve, which runs along the outside of the foot near the peroneal tendons.
Peroneal tendons are muscles that attach to the bones of the foot. Although tough, they are susceptible to injury, especially when the tendon attaches to the bone. A peroneal tendon injury can cause pain, swelling, and instability when walking or standing.
- Knitted Achilles tendon support incorporating an anatomically contoured silicone insert that runs alongside the Achilles tendon
- Silicone insert leaves tendon pressure-free and provides intermittent compression for the reduction of swelling and edema
- Built-in contour of anatomical knit places ankle in slight plantar flexion
- Viscoelastic heel-wedge incorporated to additionally raise the heel for relief of Achilles tendonitis
- Additional heel-wedge provided for unaffected foot thus preventing leg length discrepancies
Last update on 2026-04-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Treatment of tendonitis
A doctor will likely begin treatment with a physical exam to rule out other possible conditions. He may also order X-rays to confirm the diagnosis. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Noninvasive therapies include physical therapy and rest. Some patients may even benefit from anti-inflammatory medication.
Treatment of foot tendons involves identifying the cause of the pain, identifying any underlying health conditions, and determining the appropriate treatment. The doctor will perform a medical history and a physical examination of the foot and ankle to find the cause of the symptoms. In severe cases, X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans may be ordered to identify a torn or broken bone. A podiatrist can determine the exact cause of your foot pain and recommend a course of action to get you back on your feet and perform your daily activities.
Physical therapy and rest can help you alleviate foot pain and increase function. Orthotics can also be used to stabilize your foot while you are walking. Sometimes, a soft cast or boot can immobilize your foot while the tendons heal. A surgical procedure known as Gastrocnemius recession can lengthen your calf muscle, which helps to relieve stress on your Achilles tendon. Other surgical procedures include Tenosynovectomy, which removes damaged tendon tissue and stitches healthy tissue together.
Despite the pain associated with foot tendons, the condition can often be treated conservatively. Conservative treatment options may include rest and anti-inflammatory medication. In extreme cases, surgery may be necessary.
Treatment of tendon rupture
In most cases, a surgical repair is required to treat a foot tendon rupture. The recovery process can take weeks or even months. It is important to consume the right balance of nutrients, including protein, minerals, and vitamins, during this time. Malnutrition can delay the healing process.
If the tendon has partially ruptured, nonoperative treatment is recommended. However, this treatment is not as effective as surgery and may not return the strength of the tendon reliably. This surgical procedure usually requires a short stay in the hospital and may require a surgical repair. The procedure is generally successful when the tendon is intact and can be stretched to its other end. This method may not be able to repair the entire tendon, but it is usually effective enough to alleviate the pain.
Conservative treatment may involve rest and immobilization. However, surgery is often the best option for patients needing a more immediate fix. Surgery can help repair a torn tendon and prevent the foot from falling into a flat position. It is also helpful in treating patients with flat feet, as it lengthens the calf muscle, which reduces stress on the Achilles tendon.
After the Achilles tendon ruptures, the first step in treatment is to seek medical care. The doctor will determine the best treatment for the patient. Many options exist depending on the extent of the tendon damage and the patient’s lifestyle. An orthopedic surgeon will help you make the best choice.
