Where in Dubai
Dr. Subhash Ushakoyala, Specialist Orthopaedic Surgeon, sees patients with Achilles tendon tears at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai. Call or WhatsApp his nurse as soon as you can after the injury, because a repair is easier soon after the injury. Tell the nurse the date of the injury and bring any scans and a list of your medicines.
What is achilles tendon tear?
The Achilles tendon is the thick cord at the back of the ankle that joins the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is the largest tendon in the body, and it lets you push off when you walk, run, jump or stand on tiptoe. It usually tears when the calf is stretched suddenly, such as when pushing off or landing in sport. Many people hear a pop, then feel sharp pain and swelling near the heel. The tear can be partial or complete. Tendons weakened by earlier Achilles pain, steroid injections near the tendon or some antibiotics tear more easily. Both a boot and surgery can let it heal.
Common signs
- A sudden pop and sharp pain at the back of the ankle or heel.
- Swelling and bruising above the heel after an injury.
- Being unable to stand on tiptoe on the injured leg.
- Weakness when pushing off or walking up stairs.
- Active people who want to know whether a boot or surgery suits them better.
How Dr. Subhash approaches it
Dr. Subhash is a specialist orthopaedic surgeon, and Achilles tendon tear surgery is on his own list of treatments. He examines the calf and heel, including a calf squeeze test, and arranges an ultrasound or MRI when it helps to see the size of the tear. He explains both routes, a boot without surgery or repair of the tendon, and what each means for your work, sport and recovery, so you can decide together.
What to expect
Consultation
He asks how it happened, about earlier heel or Achilles pain, your medicines and any past surgery on that leg.
Examination
He feels along the tendon for a gap, asks you to try standing on tiptoe, and squeezes the calf to see whether the foot moves.
Scans if needed
An ultrasound or MRI shows whether the tear is partial or complete and where it is. An X-ray checks for a flake of bone pulled off the heel.
Deciding together
He explains treatment in a boot or cast with the toes pointing down, and surgical repair of the tendon. If surgery is chosen, it goes better when done soon after the injury.
The operation, if chosen
The torn ends are stitched together, or the tendon is fixed back to the heel bone. It is often a day case, under a regional or general anaesthetic.
Boot and rehabilitation
Either way, about six weeks in a boot or cast, then physiotherapy to bring back movement and push-off strength.
Getting better
Every patient is different. These are typical milestones, not a promise; your own plan comes from your consultation.
- You need crutches at first and will not be able to walk normally on the injured leg.
- Expect roughly six weeks in a boot or cast, with or without surgery.
- Full recovery often takes about a year, and for some people up to two years.
- Some loss of calf strength is common, but with steady exercise most people return to their usual work and activities.
Risks to know about
- After surgery: infection, wound healing problems, nerve injury and blood clots.
- The tendon can tear again, with or without surgery.
When to book a visit
If you think you have torn your Achilles tendon, be seen the same day. After treatment, call the clinic if the wound is red, hot or leaking, or the calf becomes painful and swollen. Go to emergency care straight away if you heard a snap or pop at the back of the ankle and now cannot stand on tiptoe or climb stairs, or the calf and ankle are swollen and bruised.
Where to book
Dr. Subhash sees patients at Grand Infinity Medical Center in Al Muteena, Deira, in north-east Dubai. The clinic is at Shop No. 4, next to the Grand Excelsior Hotel.
Grand Infinity Medical Center
Shop No. 4, next to Grand Excelsior Hotel, Al Muteena, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
DirectionsCall +971 58 599 7460WhatsApp
Questions patients ask
I tore my Achilles playing padel in Dubai. How soon should I be seen?
Within days, not weeks. Keep weight off the leg, use ice and raise it, and book a visit straight away so the choice between a boot and surgery can be made early.
Do I need surgery for a torn Achilles?
Not always. A complete tear can heal in a boot with the toes pointed down. Surgery may be advised for active people who need strong push-off. He explains both choices.
How long until I can walk normally?
Expect about six weeks in a boot or cast, then months of rehabilitation. Most people get back to their usual work in time, but full recovery can take about a year.
Can a steroid injection cause an Achilles tear?
Steroid injections in or around the Achilles tendon have been linked to tears, so doctors avoid giving them there.
Book an appointment
His nurse answers the phone and WhatsApp.