Understanding and Treating Achilles Tendon Ruptures

Common symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture include:

• Sudden, sharp pain in the back of the ankle or calf
• A popping or snapping sensation
• Difficulty walking, especially uphill or on uneven surfaces
• Swelling and bruising near the heel
• Tenderness or stiffness in the back of the ankle or calf
• Difficulty flexing the foot or pointing the toes downward

If you have symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture, seek medical attention immediately. At Foot & Ankle Centers of Frisco, Little Elm, & McKinney, our team offers same-day appointments for urgent foot and ankle problems. 

The Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Repair System® (PARS) by Arthrex is a minimally invasive procedure used to repair a ruptured or torn Achilles tendon. During the procedure, your surgeon inserts a needle through the skin into the tendon, then attaches a suture loop, or button, to the needle. Your surgeon then uses the suture loop to pull the tendon together and close the gap.

The procedure is less invasive than traditional open surgery, which requires an incision and stitches to hold the tendon together. PARS can be used to repair a variety of Achilles tendon injuries and can help reduce the risk of infection. Patients may experience less pain and shorter recovery times with this procedure than with traditional open surgery. After the surgery, you can expect an improvement in your range of motion and a reduced risk for re-rupture of the Achilles tendon.