What is achilles tendon repair?

Achilles tendon repair surgery is surgery to fix a damaged Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body which stretches from the bones of your heel all the way to your calf muscles. 

Achilles tendon injuries are common in activities and sports where you have to quickly speed up, slow down or pivot. The most obvious sign of an Achilles tendon injury is when you experience pain above your heels when you stretch your ankle or stand on your toes. 

Your Achilles tendon can rupture or tear – when that happens, you can feel pain, tenderness, stiffness and experience swelling. 

The Achilles tendon can also degenerate – this is known as tendinitis or tendinopathy. This is through overuse and repeated stress to the tendon, and you will experience pain and stiffness along your tendon and on the back of your heel. 

Why do you need achilles tendon repair surgery?

If your Achilles tendon is torn, your surgeon may recommend achilles tendon repair surgery. The younger and more active you are, the more likely it is that surgery will be the best option.

What can you expect when undergoing achilles tendon repair surgery?

Preparing for Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery

During the consultation with your surgeon, you will need to inform your surgeon about the medication you are currently taking. If you smoke, you may need to stop smoking as smoking can delay healing. 

You may need to undergo imaging tests such as ultrasounds, X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

During Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery

During achilles tendon repair surgery, you may be under spinal anesthesia so that you will not feel anything from the waist down. You will also likely be sedated. 

Your surgeon will make an incision in the back of the calf. If your tendon is ruptured, your surgeon will stitch the tendon back together. If your tendon has degenerated, your surgeon may remove the damaged part of the tendon and repair the rest of the tendon with stitches. If there is severe damage to a lot of your tendon, your surgeon might replace part or all of your Achilles tendon using a tendon taken from another place in your foot. 

Achilles tendon repair surgery can be done as a minimally invasive procedure with several small incisions – your surgeon will use a special scope with a tiny camera and light to do the repair.

After Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery

After your achilles tendon repair surgery, your ankle will be put in a splint to keep it from moving. 

Pain and swelling can be expected post surgery and pain medicines will be prescribed by your surgeon to you. You should try and keep your leg elevated to help reduce swelling and pain. You will likely need to use crutches to keep your weight off your leg.

You will need to see your surgeon approximately 10 days after your surgery to have your stitches removed and your splint replaced with a cast.

Why choose Novena Surgery for achilles tendon repair surgery?

Doctors who choose to perform achilles tendon repair surgery at Novena Surgery will perform the procedure in one of four modular operating theaters with cable-less pendant systems, allowing doctors to operate free of stray wiring obstruction.

Post-procedure, patients can choose to recover in one of Novena Surgery’s comfortable private suites, or in our 12-bed recovery unit under the care of well-trained nursing staff.

Waiting times are also shortened as patients need only turn up half-an-hour before their surgery, and be checked into the ward within 10 minutes of arrival. 

Patients’ companions have the option of patronising Velocity, Square and Square 2 shopping malls that are seamlessly integrated with Novena Medical Centre, the building housing Novena Surgery.

I want to undergo achilles tendon repair surgery in Novena Surgery but I do not have a specialist doctor in mind yet.

This list consists of specialists who commonly perform achilles tendon repair surgery at Novena Surgery – contact us at +65-6254 9331 or admin@novenasurgery.com.sg and we will help you book a consultation appointment with a specialist doctor from the list.

Name of Specialist ClinicName of Specialist DoctorSpecialist Clinic AddressSpecialist Clinic Opening Hours
Spire Orthopaedic CentreDr Ambrose YungRoyal Square
101 Irrawaddy Road #18-03, Singapore 329565


Gleneagles Medical Centre
6 Napier Road #08-04, Singapore 258499
Monday to Friday: 9:00am to 6:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am to 1:00pm
Sun & Public Holiday: Closed