Achilles Tendon Injury Treatment in Los Angeles
From nagging Achilles tendinitis to a sudden rupture, Dr. Alexis Dixon, MD, FAAOS, a board-certified orthopaedic foot & ankle surgeon in Marina Del Rey, treats the full range of Achilles tendon injuries.
Foot & Ankle Conditions
Achilles Tendon Injuries
The Achilles is the largest tendon in the body, connecting your calf muscles to your heel and powering every step, jump, and push-off. Two main problems affect it: Achilles tendinitis and Achilles rupture.
Because the Achilles takes enormous load, it’s vulnerable to both gradual overuse and sudden injury. The right treatment depends entirely on which problem you have, and on getting an accurate diagnosis early. Below is an overview of both; Dr. Dixon will tailor a plan to your specific injury, activity level, and goals.
The Overuse Injury
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is irritation and inflammation of the tendon from overuse. It comes in two forms:
- Insertional, at the back of the heel, where the tendon attaches to the bone (often with a bony bump)
- Non-insertional, in the mid-portion of the tendon, above the heel
Signs: pain and stiffness along the tendon (worse in the morning), pain that increases with activity, swelling, and tenderness. Common in runners and anyone who ramps up activity quickly.
The Sudden Injury
Achilles Tendon Rupture
A rupture is a partial or complete tear of the Achilles tendon, usually from a sudden forceful push-off, common in “weekend warrior” sports like basketball and tennis. Many people describe a sudden pop or a feeling of being kicked in the back of the ankle, followed by sharp pain, swelling, and difficulty pushing off or rising onto the toes.
A rupture is time-sensitive: the sooner it’s diagnosed, the more treatment options you have and the better the outcome. If you suspect a torn Achilles, seek evaluation right away.
Getting It Right
Diagnosis
Dr. Dixon diagnoses Achilles injuries with a focused physical exam, including specific tests for tendon continuity, and imaging when needed. Ultrasound and MRI confirm whether the tendon is inflamed, partially torn, or completely ruptured, and reveal insertional bone changes. An accurate diagnosis is what separates a tendon that needs rest and rehab from one that needs urgent treatment.
Tailored to the Injury
Treatment Options
Tendinitis
Non-Surgical Care
Activity modification, eccentric stretching and physical therapy, heel lifts or bracing, and footwear changes. Most tendinitis resolves without surgery.
Rupture
Non-Surgical vs. Surgical
Some ruptures heal in a cast/boot with a structured protocol; active patients often do best with surgical repair. Dr. Dixon helps you weigh both.
Chronic / Severe
Surgical Reconstruction
For stubborn insertional tendinitis or chronic tears, surgery removes damaged tissue and repairs or reconstructs the tendon.
Why See a Board-Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon (MD)?
Achilles injuries, especially ruptures, are time-sensitive, and the choice between non-surgical and surgical treatment shapes your recovery and return to sport. A board-certified orthopaedic foot & ankle surgeon can offer the full range of options and the surgical expertise if you need it.
Recovery
What Recovery Looks Like
Tendinitis
Most improves with rest, eccentric exercises, and physical therapy, though non-operative treatment can take nine months to a year to be effective.
Rupture: Early
Protected in a boot with the foot positioned to let the tendon heal; gradual weight-bearing.
Rupture: Rehab
Progressive physical therapy to rebuild calf strength and ankle motion over several months.
Return to Sport
A supervised, milestone-based return, typically 4–9 months for a rupture.
What Patients Say
Patient Reviews
Patient Questions
Achilles Tendon FAQs
Tendinitis is inflammation of the tendon from overuse, causing gradual pain and stiffness. A rupture is a sudden partial or complete tear, often with a pop and immediate difficulty pushing off. They’re treated very differently.
Insertional tendinitis occurs where the tendon attaches to the heel bone (sometimes with a bony bump); non-insertional occurs in the mid-portion of the tendon, above the heel.
A sudden pop or feeling of being kicked in the back of the -ankle, sharp pain, swelling, and trouble rising onto your toes are classic signs. Seek evaluation promptly. Rupture treatment is time-sensitive.
No. Some ruptures heal well in a boot with a structured protocol, while active patients often choose surgical repair. Dr. Dixon reviews the pros and cons of each for your situation.
Tendinitis usually improves with rest and physical therapy, though non-operative treatment can take nine months to a year. Rupture recovery is longer, often 4–9 months to return to sport, and follows a supervised rehab plan.
Call (310) 437-7922 or request an appointment online. The office will help you find a time and answer any questions about scheduling and fees.
About Your Surgeon
Alexis E. Dixon, MD, FAAOS
Dr. Dixon is a board-certified orthopaedic foot & ankle surgeon practicing in Marina Del Rey, California. USC-trained and named an LA Magazine Top Doctor since 2017, she combines surgical expertise with a conservative-first philosophy, treating the underlying joint and tendon, not just the symptom. She treats ganglion cysts, bunions, Achilles injuries, plantar fasciitis, fractures, and the full range of foot and ankle conditions.
Meet Dr. Dixon →Heel or Calf Pain, or a Sudden Pop?
Get an accurate diagnosis and a tailored plan from a board-certified orthopaedic foot & ankle surgeon in Marina Del Rey.