Did you feel a sudden “pop” or sharp pain in your heel during activity, followed by weakness? When your Achilles tendon is involved, every second counts. Knowing whether it’s a complete rupture or a partial tear is crucial for proper treatment and recovery.
At Family Care Podiatry in San Francisco, Dr. Shikaloff, specializes in diagnosing and treating Achilles tendon injuries. Our clinic provides rapid diagnosis and personalized treatment plans to ensure you get back on your feet quickly and safely. We’ll clearly explain your condition and guide you through the best course of action—whether it’s conservative care or surgical repair—for the best possible outcome.
Don’t guess about your Achilles tendon injury—get an expert opinion from Family Care Podiatry today.
What Is the Achilles Tendon?
Your Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It’s essential for walking, running, and jumping — but because it absorbs tremendous force, it’s one of the most commonly injured tendons.
When the tendon is overstretched or strained, it can develop a partial tear or a complete rupture.
Achilles Tendon Tear vs. Rupture: What’s the Difference?
- Partial Tear: The tendon fibers are damaged, but the tendon remains intact. You might experience pain, swelling, or weakness, but can often still move your foot.
- Complete Rupture: The tendon separates fully, often with a noticeable “pop” sound or snapping sensation. This leads to sudden, sharp pain and difficulty pushing off or walking normally.
A prompt examination—including ultrasound or MRI—at Family Care Podiatry helps determine the severity of the injury and guides your personalized Achilles tendon treatment plan.
Achilles Tendon Treatment Options
Treatment for Achilles tendon tears or ruptures depends on the severity of your injury, your activity level, and your overall health. Dr. Shikaloff offers both conservative and surgical options, tailoring each plan to your needs and lifestyle.
1. Conservative (Non-Surgical) Treatment
For partial tears or less severe ruptures, non-surgical treatment may include:
- Immobilization in a walking boot or cast
- Heel lifts to reduce tendon strain
- Physical therapy to restore strength and flexibility
Pros:
- Avoids surgical risks such as infection or nerve injury
- Suitable for older adults or less active patients
- Promotes natural tendon healing
Cons:
- Longer recovery time in some cases
- Slightly higher risk of re-rupture
- Possible mild loss of strength or flexibility
2. Surgical Repair
For complete ruptures or active individuals, Achilles tendon repair surgery may be recommended. During this procedure, Dr. Shikaloff reconnects the torn ends of the tendon to restore full function.
Pros:
- Lower re-rupture rate than non-surgical care
- Stronger push-off strength
- Often faster return to sports or active lifestyles
Cons:
- Requires anesthesia and involves surgical risks (infection, scarring, nerve irritation)
- Longer initial recovery before weight-bearing
- Requires commitment to post-operative rehabilitation
3. Advanced and Supportive Therapies
At Family Care Podiatry, we also offer or coordinate advanced therapies that support recovery, including:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections to enhance tendon healing
- Shockwave therapy for chronic Achilles pain
- Custom orthotics to support alignment and prevent future strain
These treatments can complement traditional care for a more complete and faster recovery.
Achilles Tendon Recovery and Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation plays a critical role in Achilles tendon recovery. Physical therapy helps rebuild flexibility, balance, and strength. With consistent care and guidance from Dr. Shikaloff, most patients return to normal activity within several months.
At Family Care Podiatry, we support you through every step of the recovery process to ensure long-term success.
When to See a Heel Pain Specialist
If you’ve heard or felt a “pop” in your heel, or you’re experiencing heel pain, swelling, or weakness, it’s important to see a podiatrist as soon as possible. Prompt evaluation prevents complications and improves your chances of full recovery.
Dr. Ulyana Shikaloff, DPM, and the team at Family Care Podiatry provide expert care for all types of Achilles tendon injuries — from mild strains to full ruptures. Using advanced diagnostics and evidence-based treatment, we help you heal safely and effectively.
📍 Family Care Podiatry
2250 Hayes St., Suite 612
San Francisco, CA 94117
📞 Call (415) 212-9166 or schedule your appointment online today for expert Achilles tendon treatment in San Francisco, CA.