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Evidence-Based Sports Injury Care by Dr. Sean LeoSports Injury Specialist in Singapore
With over 25 years of experience, Dr. Sean Leo specialises in minimally invasive treatment of sports injuries and joint conditions. His expert care supports faster recovery, restored mobility, and a return to peak performance.
Dr. Sean Leo
Orthopedic Surgeon Singapore
Achilles Tendon Injuries in Athletes
Understanding Achilles Tendon Injuries with Dr. Sean Leo.
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. While incredibly strong, it’s not very flexible, which makes it vulnerable to injury—especially in athletes.
Whether you’re a runner, a basketball player, or simply active, Achilles tendon injuries can significantly impact your performance and recovery. This article breaks down the common causes, symptoms, and treatment options, with a focus on athletic overuse and trauma.
What is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon plays a vital role in everyday movement—especially actions like walking, running, jumping, and pushing off the foot. It is heavily used during sports, making it a frequent site of overuse injuries.
Despite being durable, the tendon’s limited elasticity increases the risk of inflammation or rupture under repeated or sudden stress.
Common Achilles Tendon Injuries in Athletes
1. Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis refers to inflammation of the tendon due to overuse, typically from high-impact activities like running or jumping. It is often an early-stage injury that causes:
- A burning sensation near the heel or lower calf
- Mild swelling and warmth
- Morning stiffness that improves with light movement
2. Achilles Tendinosis
If tendonitis is left untreated, it can progress into tendinosis—a chronic condition where the tendon degenerates. This stage involves:
- Microtears in tendon fibers
- Scar tissue buildup
- Persistent pain during or after activity
3. Achilles Tendon Tear or Rupture
Sudden, forceful stress (like jumping or sprinting) may cause the tendon to partially or completely rupture. This is more common in explosive sports and presents as:
- A sharp \”pop\” or snapping sound
- Sudden pain at the back of the ankle
- Difficulty bearing weight or pushing off the foot
Signs and Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Injuries
Athletes experiencing Achilles tendon injuries may notice:
- Burning or sharp pain near the heel
- Swelling or tenderness along the tendon
- Reduced ankle flexibility or stiffness in the morning
- Weakness in push-off during running or jumping
- Numbness or tingling (in cases of severe damage)
Treatment Options for Achilles Tendon Injuries
Conservative Management:
- RICE Protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
- Anti-inflammatory medication (e.g., ibuprofen)
- Physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the calf and ankle muscles
- Heel lifts or supportive shoes to reduce tendon stress
Advanced Treatments:
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections
- Surgery, in cases of complete rupture or failed conservative care
When to See a Doctor for Achilles Tendon Pain
Seek medical attention if you experience:
- Intense pain or a popping sensation during activity
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg
- Persistent swelling or tenderness despite rest
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for a quick and complete recovery, especially for competitive athletes looking to return to sport safely.
ACL Injury
Treatment and Recovery
Specialized Care by Dr. Sean Leo, Orthopaedic Knee & Sports Injury Specialist
- Treatment Options
- When Needed
- Recovery Time
- Success Rates
- Surgery Costs
What are the treatment options for ACL injuries?
Surgical vs Non-surgical
For a complete ACL tear, surgical reconstruction using a graft is often the preferred treatment to restore knee stability and function. These grafts can be autografts (taken from your own body, typically from the patellar tendon, hamstring tendon, or quadriceps tendon) or allografts (from a donor). Dr. Sean Leo specializes in advanced ACL reconstruction techniques utilizing various graft options that promote optimal healing and recovery.
Non-surgical options, including bracing and physical therapy, may be considered for partial tears or less active individuals. The appropriate treatment plan depends on factors such as injury severity, activity level, age, and overall health.
A comprehensive assessment by an experienced orthopaedic knee specialist can determine the most suitable treatment approach and graft selection for your specific ACL injury.
When would you need ACL surgery?
Act Promptly for Better Outcomes
ACL tears typically do not heal on their own due to their position within the knee and the interference of synovial fluid, which fills the knee joint and hampers the natural healing process of the ligament.
For individuals with a complete ACL tear, especially those engaged in sports or active lifestyles, surgical intervention is often recommended. Factors that indicate surgery may be necessary include:
- Complete ACL tear confirmed by MRI
- Significant knee instability during daily activities
- Desire to return to sports or demanding physical activities
- Young age and active lifestyle
- Multiple ligament injuries
Early consultation with a knee specialist allows for timely intervention and optimal recovery outcomes.
How long does it take to recover from ACL surgery?
What to Expect
ACL reconstruction recovery typically takes 6 to 9 months, with a full return to sports often requiring 9 to 12 months, depending on individual factors, sport type, and rehabilitation progress.
The recovery journey includes several phases:
Initial phase (0-2 weeks)
Pain management, swelling reduction, basic mobility.
Early rehabilitation (2-6 weeks)
Improving range of motion, beginning strength exercises.
Intermediate phase (6-12 weeks)
Progressive strengthening, improving balance.
Functional rehabilitation (3-6 months)
Functional treatment aims at getting you back to doing gentle physical activities eg. Brisk walk and jogging or cycling.
Advanced Rehabilitation (6-9 months)
Focusing on strength and agility training incorporating dynamic movements (eg. Jumps and quick direction changes like running around cones).
Return to Sports (9-12 months)
To engage in sports specific drills which condition the body as a whole for gradual return to full sports participation. Eg. Dribbling drills for soccer, footwork drills for courtgames like badminton or tennis.
How successful is ACL surgery?
Evidence-Based Outcomes
ACL reconstruction surgery is generally successful, with reported success rates of 80% to 90%. Modern surgical techniques have significantly improved outcomes for patients undergoing ACL reconstruction.
Key success indicators include:
- Restoration of knee stability
- Return to pre-injury activity levels
- Prevention of further knee damage
- Improvement in quality of life
As with any surgical procedure, there is a possibility of complications, and some patients may require revision procedures. Factors affecting success include surgical technique, graft choice, patient compliance with rehabilitation, and individual healing capacity.
Regular follow-up with your orthopaedic surgeon throughout recovery helps ensure optimal outcomes.
How much does ACL surgery cost?
Financial Considerations
The cost of procedure varies based on the complexity of the surgery to be performed and individual insurance panel specifications. These will be discussed with you by Dr Sean’s clinic staff after the consultation should you with to proceed with surgery. The clinic staff are experienced in assisting with applications for letter of guarantees from various insurance panels and corporate insurance panels.
Cost factors include:
- Surgical technique and complexity
- Type of graft used
- Hospital or day surgery center fees
- Anaesthesia services
- Pre-operative assessments
- Post-operative rehabilitation
Patients should consider checking insurance coverage for ACL reconstruction surgery. Many insurance plans provide coverage for this procedure when medically necessary.
Financial counseling services are available to discuss payment options and potential insurance coverage for your specific situation.
Take the First Step Towards Recovery
Dr. Sean Leo, orthopedic surgeon in Singapore, provides comprehensive assessment and personalized treatment plans for ACL injuries and knee conditions.
Trusted Knee & Sports Injury Care in Singapore
Experienced Orthopaedic Specialist in Novena & Farrer Park
Comprehensive treatment for knee injuries and sports-related conditions at Mount Elizabeth Novena & Connexion.