Introduction

Thinking about Achilles tendon repair surgery can be worrying, but preparing properly is one of the best ways to ensure the operation goes smoothly and your recovery is as comfortable as possible. Feeling nervous is completely normal; however, knowing what to expect and how to get ready can reduce stress and give you confidence in the process. Taking these steps supports not only your wellbeing but also the efforts of your healthcare team.

Why Pre-Operative Preparation Matters

Getting ready ahead of your surgery isn’t just helpful—it’s vital. Proper preparation reduces the risk of complications like infections and delays in healing, and it sets your body up for the best possible recovery. Familiarising yourself with the surgical process and following advice carefully helps everything go to plan.

Professor Paul Lee, a leading expert in orthopaedics and Regional Surgical Ambassador for the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, stresses the importance of clear patient guidance and planning. The MSK Doctors team is committed to supporting you throughout your journey—from the first consultation through to fully regaining your strength.

Surgery is usually recommended in particular cases. For instance, “Surgical treatment is indicated in patients with particular conditions, such as young active athletes needing an early return to play or those wanting to avoid muscle loss linked to conservative treatment” (Kanchanatawan et al., 2018). It’s also worth noting that “Achilles tendon injuries are increasing due to more people playing sports, rising obesity rates, and an ageing population” (Hoffman et al., 2021). However, “there is no consensus as to the standard treatment of ruptured Achilles tendon” (Mazek et al., 2023), so your care will be tailored specifically to you.

Medical Steps to Take Before Surgery

To prepare properly for surgery, you’ll need to follow some important medical instructions:

• Medications: Your surgeon may ask you to stop certain medicines, like blood thinners, several days before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding.
• Fasting: Typically, you should avoid eating solid food for 6–8 hours before surgery and stop drinking clear fluids 2 hours ahead, but always follow your surgeon’s instructions.
• Smoking: Avoid smoking before your operation as it can slow healing.
• Keeping the area clean: Make sure the skin around your surgical site is clean and dry. Avoid creams or lotions there.
• Managing swelling: Elevate your foot as much as possible and avoid any activity that might increase swelling.

These are standard precautions to ensure your safety. Always stick to the personalised advice given by Professor Lee or the MSK Doctors team.

Bear in mind that all surgery carries some risks. For example, with traditional open repair, “the most common complication is soft-tissue infection caused by the tension on tissues from the repaired tendon being held in a particular ankle position” (Kanchanatawan et al., 2018). Fortunately, newer methods also exist. For instance, “ultrasound-guided percutaneous Achilles tendon repair is a minimally invasive and quick procedure, helping to reduce the usual complications” (Mazek et al., 2023).

Preparing Your Home and Lifestyle for Recovery

After surgery, your mobility will be limited for a while, so getting your home ready can make a big difference:

• Clear the way: Remove rugs, loose cables, and other obstacles to prevent trips or falls.
• Organise essentials: Keep crutches, wound care supplies, medications, and comfortable clothes close to hand.
• Arrange help: Plan for someone to give you a lift on surgery day and assist during the first few days after.
• Hygiene: Follow your healthcare team’s advice on bathing safely while keeping the surgical area dry.

A well-prepared, safe environment helps you focus on healing and reduces frustration during recovery.

Answers to Common Questions

What should I bring on surgery day?
Bring your medical documents, a list of current medications, comfy clothing, and any walking aids like crutches if you have them.

When should I arrive?
Usually, you’ll be asked to come to the hospital one to two hours before your operation for checks and preparations.

Can I take my regular medications?
Some medicines might need to be paused before surgery. Always check with your clinical team beforehand.

How can I communicate with my healthcare team?
MSK Doctors and Professor Lee encourage you to ask questions and share concerns—they are there to support you every step of the way.

There’s often debate about the best treatment. As Hoffman et al. (2021) say, “There has been disagreement in recent years about whether to treat Achilles tendon ruptures operatively or with nonoperative functional rehabilitation.” This makes following expert advice all the more important.

Taking Charge for a Confident Surgical Experience

Your involvement really matters. Following medical advice and asking questions helps you feel more in control and can speed up your recovery. MSK Doctors and Professor Lee ensure you receive professional, compassionate care to make this experience as positive and reassuring as possible.

It’s comforting to know that “recent studies show conservative treatment with functional rehab has good results, with rerupture rates nearly identical to surgery” (Kanchanatawan et al., 2018). But for those who choose surgery—particularly athletes—advances in technique can make a big difference. As Hoffman et al. (2021) note, “The goal of new surgical techniques is to provide stronger repairs and a faster, more reliable return to sport.” Minimally invasive options also help by “reducing complications compared to traditional suturing methods” (Mazek et al., 2023).

Conclusion

Preparing well puts you in the best position for successful Achilles tendon repair and a smoother recovery journey. With the expert care of professionals like Professor Paul Lee and supportive teams at MSK Doctors, you’ll be in safe hands throughout. Remember, always seek personalised advice from your healthcare provider for your unique situation.

References

• Kanchanatawan, W., Densiri-aksorn, W., Maneesrisajja, T., Suppauksorn, S., Arirachakaran, A., Rungchamrussopa, P., & Boonma, P. (2018). Hybrid Achilles Tendon Repair. Arthroscopy Techniques, 7(6), e639-e644. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eats.2018.02.011
• Hoffman, J., Gupta, S., Amesur, A., Anthony, T., Winder, R., Chan, H., & Hoang, V. (2021). Achilles Tendon Rip-Stop SpeedBridge Repair. Arthroscopy Techniques, 10(9), e2113-e2120. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eats.2021.05.011
• Mazek, J., Gnatowski, M., Salas, A. P., Domżalski, M., & Mazek, M. (2023). Ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Achilles Tendon Repair. Techniques in Foot & Ankle Surgery, 23(1), 21-26. https://doi.org/10.1097/btf.0000000000000399