When Do You Need Surgery for an Achilles Tear? A Surgeon's Guide to Making the Right Decision

One of the first questions patients ask after tearing their Achilles tendon is: "Do I need surgery?" The honest answer is — it depends. Not every Achilles tendon rupture requires an operation, and not every patient is best served by skipping one.

The decision between surgery and nonsurgical treatment is one of the most important conversations you'll have with your orthopedic surgeon. It depends on your age, your activity level, the severity of the tear, your overall health, and what you want to get back to doing.

This guide will walk you through the evidence — the same research that orthopedic surgeons use to make recommendations — so you can understand your options and feel confident in your treatment plan.

Key Takeaways

- Not every Achilles tendon rupture requires surgery — both surgical and nonsurgical treatment can produce good outcomes.

- Surgery significantly reduces the risk of re-rupture (about 0.6%–2.3% with surgery vs. 3.9%–6.2% without).

- Nonsurgical treatment with functional bracing and rehabilitation can achieve comparable functional outcomes in selected patients.

- Surgery is generally recommended for younger, active patients and athletes who want to minimize re-rupture risk and return to high-demand activities.

- Nonsurgical treatment may be preferred for older or less active patients, or those with medical conditions that increase surgical risk.

- Timing matters — early treatment (within 72 hours) leads to better outcomes regardless of the approach chosen.

- Delayed treatment beyond 4 to 6 weeks turns an acute rupture into a chronic problem that often requires more complex reconstruction.

- The best outcomes come from shared decision-making between you and your surgeon, combined with a structured rehabilitation program.

Understanding the Injury: What Happens When the Achilles Tears?

The Achilles tendon is the thickest, strongest tendon in the body. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and is essential for walking, running, jumping, and pushing off the ground. During running, it handles forces up to 12.5 times your body weight.

When the Achilles tendon ruptures, it tears partially or completely — usually in the "watershed zone" about 2 to 6 centimeters above the heel, where blood supply is poorest. This typically happens during a sudden, explosive movement: sprinting, jumping, pivoting, or pushing off during sports like basketball, tennis, or pickleball.

The classic presentation is a sudden "pop" in the back of the ankle, often described as feeling like being kicked. Most patients have immediate difficulty walking and cannot stand on their toes on the injured side.

An important distinction: A complete rupture means the tendon is fully torn through. A partial tear means some fibers remain intact. The treatment approach can differ significantly between the two. (Related: Partial Achilles Tears: Symptoms, MRI Findings, and Treatment)

Who Tears Their Achilles Tendon?

Achilles tendon ruptures are one of the most common musculoskeletal injuries, affecting 5 to 50 per 100,000 people per year — and the incidence has been increasing over the past several decades.

The typical patient profile:

- Men aged 30 to 50 — the "weekend warrior" demographic

- Recreational athletes who are sedentary during the week and play hard on weekends

- People with no prior Achilles pain — most ruptures occur in tendons that were not previously symptomatic, even though underlying degeneration may have been present

Risk factors that increase your chances of rupture include:

- Sudden increases in physical activity

- Fluoroquinolone antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin)

- Oral or injected corticosteroids

- Diabetes, hypertension, obesity, or kidney disease

- Prior Achilles tendinopathy (about 4% of tendinopathy cases progress to rupture)

- Inadequate warm-up or poor footwear

How Is an Achilles Rupture Diagnosed?

An experienced orthopedic surgeon can usually diagnose an Achilles tendon rupture with a physical examination. The most important test is the Thompson test (calf squeeze test): while you lie face down, the doctor squeezes your calf. If the foot doesn't move downward, the tendon is likely torn. This test has a sensitivity of 96% and specificity of 93%.

Your surgeon will also check for:

- A palpable gap or indentation in the tendon

- Increased passive ankle dorsiflexion compared to the other side

- Inability to perform a single-leg heel raise

- Swelling and bruising around the posterior ankle

Imaging may include:

- X-rays — to rule out fractures or bony avulsions

- Ultrasound — a fast, in-office tool that can confirm the tear, measure the gap between torn ends, and assess tendon quality

- MRI — provides the most detailed view and is especially useful for partial tears, chronic injuries, or surgical planning

For a straightforward acute complete rupture diagnosed on exam, MRI is not always necessary. But when the diagnosis is uncertain or the tear is partial, imaging is extremely valuable.

The Big Question: Surgery or No Surgery?

This is where the conversation gets nuanced. Let's look at what the highest-quality research tells us.

What the Evidence Says

The landmark NEJM trial (Myhrvold et al., 2022) is the largest and most rigorous study to date. This multicenter randomized controlled trial enrolled 554 patients with acute Achilles ruptures and compared three treatment approaches: nonoperative management, open surgical repair, and minimally invasive surgery.

At 12 months:

- Patient-reported outcomes were equivalent across all three groups — no significant difference in the Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score (P = 0.57)

- Physical performance was similar in all groups

- Re-rupture rates were dramatically different: 6.2% in the nonoperative group vs. 0.6% in both surgical groups

A 2019 BMJ meta-analysis (29 studies, nearly 16,000 patients) confirmed that surgery reduces re-rupture risk (2.3% vs. 3.9%) but increases the overall complication rate (4.9% vs. 1.6%), primarily due to wound infections.

A 2025 network meta-analysis (41 studies, 5,566 patients) found that open surgical repair with late weight-bearing had the lowest re-rupture risk (2%), while nonsurgical treatment had the highest (12% in this analysis). Nonsurgical treatment was also associated with a higher risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) compared to surgery (2% vs. 1%).

A 2025 Arthroscopy review summarized the current state of evidence: surgery enables a faster return to work (19 days earlier on average) and greater calf strength recovery (18% stronger at 18 months). Surgical patients also demonstrated faster strength recovery overall.

The Bottom Line on Surgery vs. No Surgery

The functional outcomes at one year are comparable. The key differences are:

Surgical Repair	Nonsurgical Treatment
0.6%–2.3%	3.9%–6.2%
~19 days faster	Slower
~18% stronger	Weaker
0.4%–6% (depends on technique)	Essentially zero
2.8%–5.2% (depends on technique)	Minimal
~1%	~2%
Higher (4.9%)	Lower (1.6%)

When Surgery IS Recommended

Based on the current evidence and clinical practice, surgery is generally recommended for:

1. Young, active patients and athletes

If you want to return to running, cutting sports (basketball, tennis, pickleball, soccer), or any activity that demands explosive push-off strength, surgery offers the lowest re-rupture risk and the best chance of restoring full power. Modern strategies emphasize recommending surgery for younger, high-demand patients.

2. Patients who want to minimize re-rupture risk

The absolute difference in re-rupture rates is small (roughly 1.6% to 5.6% depending on the study), but for patients who cannot afford a second injury — whether for professional, athletic, or personal reasons — surgery provides the strongest protection.

3. Large gaps between the torn tendon ends

When ultrasound or MRI shows that the torn ends of the tendon are widely separated, nonsurgical treatment is less likely to succeed because the tendon may heal in a lengthened position, leading to permanent weakness.

4. Delayed presentation (but still within the acute window)

If the injury is diagnosed within the first few weeks but the tendon ends have already begun to retract, surgical repair can restore proper tendon length and tension.

5. Patients who prioritize faster strength recovery

Surgical patients demonstrate 18% greater calf strength at 18 months compared to nonsurgically treated patients. For athletes and active adults, this difference can be meaningful.

When Nonsurgical Treatment May Be the Better Choice

Nonsurgical management is a legitimate, evidence-based option — not a "lesser" treatment. It may be preferred for:

1. Older or less active patients

If your primary goal is comfortable walking and daily activities rather than competitive sports, nonsurgical treatment can achieve excellent functional outcomes without the risks of surgery.

2. Patients with medical conditions that increase surgical risk

Diabetes, peripheral vascular disease, smoking, immunosuppression, and obesity all increase the risk of wound complications after Achilles surgery. In these patients, the risks of surgery may outweigh the benefits.

3. Patients on blood thinners or with bleeding disorders

Surgical repair in these patients requires careful coordination and may carry additional risk.

4. Patients who prefer to avoid surgery

After a thorough discussion of the risks and benefits, some patients simply prefer a nonsurgical approach. When combined with a structured rehabilitation program and functional bracing, this is a reasonable choice.

5. Tendon ends that are in close proximity on imaging

When ultrasound shows that the torn ends come together well with the ankle in a pointed-down (plantarflexed) position, nonsurgical healing is more likely to succeed.

What Does Nonsurgical Treatment Look Like?

Nonsurgical management is not "doing nothing." It involves:

1. Immobilization in a cast or walking boot with the foot pointed downward

2. Progressive weight-bearing over several weeks

3. Functional bracing — the UKSTAR trial (527 patients) showed that a removable walking brace is as effective as a plaster cast, with no difference in outcomes or re-rupture rates

4. Structured physical therapy emphasizing early, protected motion and progressive strengthening

Types of Surgical Repair

If surgery is recommended, there are several approaches:

Open Repair

The traditional approach involves a 5- to 10-centimeter incision along the back of the ankle. The surgeon directly visualizes the torn tendon ends and stitches them together using strong suture techniques (such as the Krackow technique).

Advantages:

- Direct visualization of the injury

- Ability to assess and address tendon quality

- Very low re-rupture rate (0.6%–2.5%)

- Lower sural nerve injury rate than minimally invasive techniques (0%–2.8%)

Disadvantages:

- Higher wound infection rate (up to 6% for superficial infections)

- Longer surgical time (average ~51 minutes)

- Larger scar

A 2025 network meta-analysis of 41 studies concluded that in patients with no contraindications, open surgical repair should be considered the gold standard, with the lowest re-rupture risk when combined with appropriate rehabilitation.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

This approach uses smaller incisions and specialized instruments to repair the tendon without fully opening the surgical site.

Advantages:

- Significantly lower wound infection rate (0.4% vs. 6% with open repair)

- Shorter surgical time (average ~30 minutes)

- Smaller scars

- Equivalent functional outcomes and re-rupture rates compared to open repair

Disadvantages:

- Higher risk of sural nerve injury (3.4%–5.2%) — the sural nerve runs close to the Achilles tendon and can be caught by instruments or sutures when the surgeon has limited visibility

- Less direct visualization of the repair

A meta-analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials (522 patients) in the American Journal of Sports Medicine found that open repair and minimally invasive surgery produced equivalent functional outcomes (mean AOFAS scores of 94.8 vs. 95.7) and equivalent re-rupture rates (2.5% vs. 1.5%), with the key trade-off being wound infections (open) vs. nerve injury (minimally invasive).

Suture Anchor Fixation

A newer technique that uses anchors placed into the heel bone to secure the tendon. A large study of 1,035 acute Achilles repairs found that suture anchor fixation was associated with a higher overall complication rate (26.3%) and minor complication rate compared to percutaneous (14.3%) or open (14.4%) techniques, primarily due to clinically significant heel pain (10.5%). This technique may be more appropriate for specific injury patterns, such as insertional ruptures.

Your surgeon will recommend the technique best suited to your specific injury, anatomy, and goals.

Risks of Achilles Surgery

Like any operation, Achilles tendon surgery carries risks. Understanding these helps you make an informed decision.

Re-rupture — The risk is low with modern techniques: 0.6% to 2.5%. This is significantly lower than the 3.9% to 6.2% re-rupture rate with nonsurgical treatment.

Wound infection — Superficial infection occurs in up to 6% of open repairs but only about 0.4% of minimally invasive repairs. Deep infection is rare (about 1.4% with open repair). Risk factors include diabetes, smoking, and obesity.

Nerve injury — The sural nerve, which provides sensation to the outer edge of the foot, can be injured during surgery. This occurs in about 2.8% of open repairs and up to 5.2% of minimally invasive repairs. Most sural nerve injuries are temporary.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) — Blood clots in the leg veins are a real concern after any lower extremity surgery or immobilization. The risk of symptomatic DVT after Achilles surgery is approximately 1%, though screening studies using ultrasound have found asymptomatic clots in up to 21%–37% of patients during the immobilization period. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons recommends individualized risk assessment rather than routine chemical prophylaxis for all patients. Prevention strategies include early mobilization, mechanical compression devices, and consideration of blood thinners for higher-risk patients.

Stiffness and adhesions — Some patients develop scar tissue that limits ankle motion. Early, controlled mobilization during rehabilitation helps minimize this risk.

Tendon elongation — If the repair stretches out during healing, the tendon may end up longer than its original length, resulting in persistent calf weakness. Proper surgical technique and careful rehabilitation help prevent this.

The overall major complication rate requiring reoperation is approximately 3% based on a large study of over 1,000 Achilles repairs.

What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

Timing is critical. Achilles tendon ruptures treated within the first 72 hours have the best outcomes, regardless of whether surgery or nonsurgical treatment is chosen. Earlier surgical intervention after injury has been shown to improve functional outcomes.

If treatment is delayed beyond 4 to 6 weeks, the injury is classified as a "chronic" rupture. At this point:

- The torn tendon ends retract and scar down

- The gap between the ends increases

- Simple end-to-end repair may no longer be possible

- More complex reconstruction is often required

Chronic Achilles rupture reconstruction may involve:

- End-to-end repair — possible if the gap is less than 2.5 cm

- V-Y advancement or turndown flaps — using the patient's own tendon tissue to bridge larger gaps

- Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer — the "workhorse" procedure for chronic Achilles reconstruction, where a nearby tendon is rerouted to supplement or replace the damaged Achilles

- Allograft augmentation — using donor tissue to reinforce the repair

Compared to acute repairs, chronic reconstructions are associated with higher infection rates, more prolonged recovery, and outcomes that are generally perceived as slightly worse. An international survey of 667 foot and ankle surgeons confirmed that gap size is the principal factor determining the surgical technique for chronic ruptures (80% of respondents), followed by time from injury (61%) and patient age (57%).

The message is clear: don't wait. If you suspect an Achilles rupture, get evaluated promptly. (Related: Can You Walk on a Torn Achilles Tendon?)

Recovery Timeline After Achilles Surgery

Recovery after surgical repair follows a structured, progressive rehabilitation program. Here is a general timeline based on current evidence-based consensus:

Timeframe	What to Expect
Weeks 0–2	Non-weight-bearing or protected weight-bearing in a splint or boot. Foot positioned in plantarflexion (toes pointed down). Gentle toe and knee exercises allowed.
Weeks 2–4	Transition to a walking boot. Begin protected weight-bearing. Ankle motion exercises may begin but should not go past neutral (foot flat).
Weeks 4–6	Progressive weight-bearing in the boot.
Weeks 6–12	Begin concentric strengthening (bilateral heel raises). Stationary cycling and pool exercises may be introduced. Transition out of the boot.
Week 12+	Eccentric exercises and more aggressive strengthening begin. No eccentric loading or stretching before 12 weeks.
Weeks 16–24	Progressive return to jogging and sport-specific training. Anti-gravity treadmill may be used.
Months 5–7	Return to sports initiation (average 24.4 weeks based on expert consensus). Guided by functional testing — especially single-leg heel raise repetitions.
Months 7–9	Full return to competitive sports for most patients.

Key rehabilitation principles supported by research:

- Early weight-bearing after surgical repair leads to higher patient satisfaction, earlier return to activity, and no increased re-rupture risk. One study of 67 patients using immediate weight-bearing found a mean return to sports of 20.6 weeks with only a 1.5% re-rupture rate.

- Early rehabilitation reduces time to return to sport by about 4 weeks compared to delayed rehabilitation, without increasing re-rupture risk.

- Eccentric exercises should not start before 12 weeks after surgical repair — this is a consensus recommendation from the GAIT study group (an international panel of experienced foot and ankle surgeons).

- Return to sport should be guided by functional milestones, not just time. The ability to perform full body weight single-leg heel raises (20 repetitions) correlates directly with readiness for full sports return.

- Anti-gravity treadmill training is strongly recommended during the transition back to running.

(Related: Achilles Surgery Recovery Timeline: Week-by-Week Expectations)

Prevention: Protecting Your Achilles Tendon

While not every rupture can be prevented, several strategies reduce your risk:

- Progress training gradually — avoid sudden spikes in running distance, intensity, or hill work

- Maintain calf strength — regular eccentric heel drops build tendon resilience

- Warm up before explosive activities — dynamic warm-ups prepare the tendon for loading

- Wear appropriate footwear — adequate cushioning and heel support reduce tendon stress

- Address Achilles pain early — persistent morning stiffness or tendon pain warrants evaluation before it progresses (Related: Why Does My Achilles Hurt in the Morning?)

- Be aware of medication risks — fluoroquinolone antibiotics and corticosteroids increase tendon vulnerability

- Manage underlying health conditions — diabetes, hypertension, and obesity all weaken tendons over time

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all Achilles tears need surgery?

No. Both surgical and nonsurgical treatment can produce good functional outcomes at one year. The main advantage of surgery is a significantly lower re-rupture rate. The decision should be individualized based on your age, activity level, injury characteristics, and goals.

What percentage of Achilles ruptures are treated surgically?

This varies by region and surgeon preference. The trend has shifted over time — more patients are being offered nonsurgical treatment as rehabilitation protocols have improved. However, surgery remains the preferred approach for active patients and athletes in most orthopedic practices.

Is minimally invasive surgery better than open surgery?

Both produce equivalent functional outcomes and re-rupture rates. Minimally invasive surgery has fewer wound infections (0.4% vs. 6%) but a higher sural nerve injury rate (3.4%–5.2% vs. 0%–2.8%). Your surgeon will recommend the best approach for your specific situation.

How soon after injury should surgery be done?

Ideally within the first 1 to 2 weeks. Treatment initiated within 72 hours of injury is associated with the best outcomes. Delays beyond 4 to 6 weeks significantly complicate the repair.

Can a partial Achilles tear be treated without surgery?

Many partial tears can be managed nonsurgically with immobilization and rehabilitation. However, if the tear involves a large percentage of the tendon or if symptoms persist despite conservative treatment, surgery may be recommended. MRI is essential for evaluating partial tears. (Related: Partial Achilles Tears: Symptoms, MRI Findings, and Treatment)

What if my Achilles rupture was missed and it's been several weeks?

Ruptures diagnosed after 4 to 6 weeks are considered chronic and may require more complex reconstruction rather than a simple repair. Options include tendon transfer (most commonly the flexor hallucis longus), V-Y advancement, or allograft augmentation. Outcomes are generally good but recovery is longer.

Will I be able to run again after Achilles surgery?

The vast majority of patients return to running after Achilles repair. The average time to initiate sports is about 24 weeks (6 months), with full competitive return typically by 7 to 9 months. Return-to-play rates are high regardless of whether surgical or nonsurgical treatment is chosen.

How strong will my Achilles be after surgery?

Surgical patients demonstrate approximately 18% greater calf strength at 18 months compared to nonsurgically treated patients. Most patients recover excellent functional strength, though some may notice a mild decrease in explosive power compared to their pre-injury baseline.

What about blood clots after Achilles surgery?

DVT is a real risk during the immobilization period. Screening studies have found asymptomatic clots in up to 21%–37% of patients. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons recommends individualized risk assessment. Prevention strategies include early mobilization, compression devices, and blood thinners for higher-risk patients. Age over 39 is a strong risk factor.

Is Achilles surgery covered by insurance?

Achilles tendon repair for a documented rupture is considered a medically necessary procedure and is covered by virtually all insurance plans. Your surgeon's office can verify your specific coverage and out-of-pocket costs before surgery.

How long will I be off work after Achilles surgery?

This depends on your job. Desk workers may return in 2 to 4 weeks. Jobs requiring standing or walking typically require 6 to 12 weeks. Physically demanding jobs (construction, manual labor) may require 4 to 6 months. On average, surgical patients return to work about 19 days sooner than nonsurgically treated patients.

Can I drive after Achilles surgery?

If your right leg is affected, you typically cannot drive safely until you are out of the boot and have adequate strength and reaction time — usually 6 to 8 weeks minimum. Left-leg injuries with an automatic transmission may allow earlier driving, but check with your surgeon.

What happens if the surgery fails or the tendon re-ruptures?

Re-rupture after surgical repair is rare (0.6%–2.5%). If it occurs, revision surgery is typically recommended. The approach depends on the quality of the remaining tendon and may involve direct re-repair or reconstruction with tendon transfer.

Should I get a second opinion before deciding on surgery?

Absolutely. The decision between surgery and nonsurgical treatment is significant, and a second opinion from a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon can help confirm the diagnosis and ensure you're making the best choice for your situation.

Myth vs. Fact

Myth: Surgery is always necessary for a torn Achilles tendon.

Fact: Multiple high-quality studies, including a landmark trial in the New England Journal of Medicine, have shown that nonsurgical treatment produces equivalent functional outcomes at one year. Surgery is not mandatory — but it does lower the re-rupture rate.

Myth: If you don't have surgery, your Achilles will never heal.

Fact: The Achilles tendon can heal without surgery when properly immobilized and rehabilitated. The tendon forms scar tissue that bridges the gap. The trade-off is a slightly higher re-rupture rate and potentially less calf strength compared to surgical repair.

Myth: Minimally invasive surgery is always better than open surgery.

Fact: Both techniques produce equivalent outcomes. Minimally invasive surgery has fewer wound complications but a higher nerve injury rate. The "best" technique depends on the specific injury and surgeon expertise.

Myth: You'll be in a cast for months after Achilles surgery.

Fact: Modern rehabilitation protocols emphasize early mobilization. Most patients transition from a splint to a walking boot within 2 weeks and begin protected weight-bearing shortly after. Prolonged rigid immobilization is no longer the standard of care.

Myth: Older patients shouldn't have Achilles surgery.

Fact: Age alone is not a contraindication. Many active adults in their 50s and 60s benefit from surgical repair. The decision should be based on activity level, overall health, and goals — not just a number.

Myth: You can wait a few months to decide about surgery.

Fact: Timing matters significantly. Delays beyond 4 to 6 weeks can turn a straightforward repair into a complex reconstruction. If you suspect a rupture, seek evaluation within days, not weeks.

Myth: Physical therapy isn't important after surgery — the surgery fixes everything.

Fact: Surgery restores the tendon's structural continuity, but rehabilitation restores its function. Without a structured physical therapy program, outcomes are significantly worse regardless of how well the surgery went.

Myth: You'll never be the same after an Achilles rupture.

Fact: The vast majority of patients — including competitive athletes — return to their desired activities. Return-to-play rates are high with both surgical and nonsurgical treatment. While some patients notice mild residual differences, most achieve excellent functional recovery.

Research Summary: What the Best Studies Tell Us

Here are the most important studies that guide how orthopedic surgeons make decisions about Achilles surgery today:

The NEJM Trial (Myhrvold et al., 2022): The largest randomized trial to date (554 patients) compared nonoperative treatment, open repair, and minimally invasive surgery. Functional outcomes were equivalent at one year. Re-rupture was significantly higher without surgery (6.2% vs. 0.6%). This study confirmed that both approaches are valid but surgery offers better protection against re-rupture.

BMJ Meta-Analysis (Ochen et al., 2019): Pooled data from 29 studies (nearly 16,000 patients) showed surgery reduces re-rupture risk (RR 0.43) but increases complications (RR 2.76), mainly infections. The absolute re-rupture difference was small (1.6%), emphasizing the importance of shared decision-making.

Network Meta-Analysis (Pisano et al., 2025): Analyzed 41 studies (5,566 patients) and concluded that open surgical repair should be considered the gold standard in patients without contraindications, with the lowest re-rupture risk (2%). Nonsurgical treatment had the highest re-rupture (12%) and DVT risk.

AJSM Meta-Analysis (Attia et al., 2023): Compared open vs. minimally invasive repair across 10 RCTs (522 patients). Functional outcomes and re-rupture rates were equivalent. Open repair had more wound infections; minimally invasive had more nerve injuries.

Arthroscopy Review (Saggar et al., 2025): Confirmed surgery enables faster return to work (19 days), greater strength recovery (18% at 18 months), and lower re-rupture risk. Recommended surgery for high-demand patients and nonsurgical treatment for those with lower functional requirements or comorbidities.

GAIT Consensus (Saxena et al., 2022): An international panel of experienced foot and ankle surgeons established evidence-based rehabilitation milestones: non-weight-bearing for ~2 weeks, no eccentric exercise before 12 weeks, return to sport initiation at ~24 weeks, guided by heel raise testing.

Conclusion

The decision about whether to have surgery for an Achilles tendon rupture is not one-size-fits-all. The best evidence shows that both surgical and nonsurgical treatment can produce excellent functional outcomes — but they come with different trade-offs.

Surgery offers the lowest re-rupture risk, faster strength recovery, and quicker return to work and sports. Nonsurgical treatment avoids surgical complications and can achieve comparable function in the right patient.

The most important factors are:

- Getting evaluated early — ideally within 72 hours of injury

- Choosing the right treatment for your goals — through an honest conversation with your surgeon about what matters most to you

- Committing to rehabilitation — regardless of which path you choose, a structured physical therapy program is essential for the best outcome

If you're dealing with an Achilles tendon injury and trying to decide whether surgery is right for you, schedule a consultation so we can review your imaging, discuss your goals, and build a treatment plan tailored to your situation.

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About the Author

Dr. Sarang Desai is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in foot and ankle surgery and sports medicine in Dallas, Texas. He treats everyone from recreational athletes to elite competitors using the latest evidence-based surgical and nonsurgical techniques. Schedule an apointment with Dr. Desai at OINT.org or cal 972-591-6468.