Foot and ankle tendon and ligament repair

Tendons are tissues that connect muscles to bones, while ligaments connect bones to each other. The tendons and ligaments of the foot and ankle work together to help you move, keep your joints stable, and maintain the structure of your feet. They allow you to walk, run, and handle uneven surfaces, all while giving you the support and flexibility needed for these movements.

When tendons or ligaments in the feet and ankles are torn or damaged due to sudden injury, overuse, or a chronic condition, they can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty with daily activities. When nonsurgical treatments aren’t effective, surgical repair of tendons and ligaments may be the best option to restore function and mobility.

The orthopaedic foot and ankle specialists at Penn Medicine have experience treating even the most complex foot and ankle tendon and ligament issues. We’re known for pioneering new methods and technology in the diagnosis and treatment of foot and ankle conditions. People throughout the southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey regions often come to us for ligament and tendon care not available at other facilities.

Your doctor may recommend surgery if you have tendon or ligament damage that hasn’t improved after nonsurgical treatments like rest, bracing, or physical therapy. Candidates for surgery are usually in good overall health but still experience pain, weakness, or instability in the foot or ankle that affects daily activities. They typically include:

• Active people like athletes who experience repetitive ankle impacts, or people who work on their feet
• People with frequent sprains or unstable ankles, or who have other structural issues in the foot or ankle
• People with conditions like diabetes or arthritis, which can lead to tendon damage

Your orthopaedic surgeon will assess your specific condition, symptoms, and goals to decide if surgery is the right option for you.

After surgery, you’ll likely be fitted with a cast or boot to help protect the newly repaired tissue. You may need to avoid full weight-bearing and use crutches or a knee scooter for a while. Elevating your foot and ankle in the first few weeks will help control swelling and aid healing. Medication and ice therapy are often recommended to manage pain.

Once you can resume weight-bearing, you’ll begin physical therapy to rebuild strength and range of motion. Once the boot or cast is removed, you may wear a brace for support.

Recovery is different for everyone and can take anywhere from several weeks to months. Your Penn Medicine care team will talk to you about what recovery might look like for you.

While risks are possible with any surgery, serious complications from tendon or ligament repair are uncommon. Specific risks depend on the procedure and the patient. They may include:

• Infection: The surgical site could get infected, which might need extra treatment.
• Nerve damage: Nerves near the surgery area could be injured, causing numbness or a change in feeling.
• Blood clots: There’s a chance of getting blood clots, specifically deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
• Stiffness: Some people might have stiffness in their ankle joint after surgery.
• Prolonged swelling: Swelling around the ankle could last longer than expected.
• Wound healing issues: The surgical cut might not heal properly.
• Recurrent instability: The repaired ligaments or tendons might stretch out over time, leading to instability again.

Your surgical team will review your potential risks with you before surgery.

Penn Medicine’s orthopaedic specialists handle an extremely high volume of foot and ankle cases each year and are known for advanced research in tendon and ligament repair and reconstruction. We are experienced in treating a wide range of conditions causing foot and ankle pain, from the most common to the most complex. You can trust our knowledge and expertise in the latest diagnostic methods and treatments for tendon and ligament injuries.