Some problems have an obvious solution. Is a cold draft running through your house? Shut the door already! Don’t like what’s on the TV? Change the channel, or maybe turn it off and find a good book instead.

When it comes to finding the best way forward after an Achilles tendon rupture, however, there is a clear fork in the road—each with its own pros and cons. As a matter of fact, there’s still a lot of controversy in the podiatric world over which solution is best! Choose the path on the left, and you’re looking at surgical repair. To the right, you’re looking at more conservative methods of treatment. Which should you choose?

That depends on a lot of factors. How old are you? How severe is the tear in the tendon? How active is your lifestyle? What other kinds of considerations—work, sports, goals, etc.—are at play? There’s not necessarily a right or wrong answer, but depending on your circumstances we may recommend one option over the other.

Some Basics...

• There are many ways that people can injure their foot or ankle.
• There are also many types of foot and ankle injuries. There are bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and muscles in the foot and ankle. These can all be injured.
• Treatment depends on the type of injury a person has. A doctor will know the right way to treat a foot or ankle injury.