Consultant Foot & Ankle Surgeon in Sussex
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    • About Mr Edward Dawe
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    • Foot pain
    • Bunions
    • Big Toe Arthritis (Hallux Rigidus)
    • Mortons Neuroma
    • Hindfoot Arthritis
    • Ankle Arthritis
    • Heel Pain >
      • Achilles tendinopathy
      • Plantar Fasciitis
      • Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy
      • Achilles tendon rupture
    • Flat Feet
    • Foot & Ankle Arthritis
  • Treatments
    • Bunion Surgery
    • Revision bunion surgery
    • Hallux Rigidus Surgery
    • Achilles tendon surgery >
      • Achilles tendon rupture surgery
      • Achilles tendinopathy surgery
      • Insertional Achilles Surgery
    • Gastrocnemius Release (PMGR)
    • Keyhole surgery
    • Ankle replacement surgery
    • Hindfoot Arthritis Surgery
    • Injections for foot and ankle pain
    • Complex Deformity Correction
    • Lateral ligament stabilisation surgery
    • Slant board exercises
    • Consent for surgery
  • Fees & Self-Pay Guide
  • Foot and ankle referrals
    • Foot and ankle surgeon appointments
    • Information for GPs referring patients with foot and ankle pain
    • I am not near West Sussex or am outside the UK
  • Recovery

Achilles Tendon Surgery

Achilles tendon surgery may be considered for a range of conditions affecting the tendon, including tendinopathy, insertional problems and rupture. The aim of surgery is to reduce pain and improve function where symptoms persist despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.

Mr Edward Dawe is a Consultant Foot & Ankle Surgeon specialising in Achilles tendon surgery, offering a range of techniques tailored to the underlying condition and individual patient factors. Clinics are available in Chichester, Worthing and Haywards Heath.

When is Achilles tendon surgery considered?

Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist despite appropriate non-surgical treatment or where there is a significant tendon injury such as rupture.

The decision to proceed with surgery depends on the nature of the condition, the severity of symptoms and individual patient goals.

Calf release (proximal medial gastrocnemius release)

Calf tightness is a common contributing factor in many Achilles tendon conditions. Proximal medial gastrocnemius release (PMGR) is a procedure used to reduce tension in the calf muscle and Achilles tendon.

This procedure may be considered in patients with persistent symptoms related to tendon overload and can be used as part of the surgical management of both mid-substance and insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

PMGR may be appropriate for a range of patients, including those who are active and wish to return to sport, as well as those with more general activity-related symptoms.

Compared to more extensive foot and ankle procedures, recovery is often more straightforward, although this varies between individuals and depends on the overall treatment plan.

As with all surgical procedures, there are risks associated with PMGR, although it is generally considered a lower-risk procedure when performed in appropriately selected patients.

Mid-substance Achilles tendinopathy surgery

For patients with more advanced or persistent mid-substance tendinopathy, surgery may involve removal of damaged tendon tissue and, in some cases, augmentation with a tendon transfer such as flexor hallucis longus (FHL).

The aim is to address areas of degeneration and improve tendon function.

Insertional Achilles surgery

Insertional Achilles conditions may require procedures to address both tendon and bone. These may include removal of damaged tendon tissue, treatment of bony prominence at the heel and procedures such as Zadek osteotomy in selected cases.

The choice of procedure depends on the pattern of disease and individual patient factors.

Achilles tendon rupture surgery

Surgical repair may be considered for Achilles tendon rupture depending on the nature of the injury and individual factors. Techniques may include open or minimally invasive repair.

Non-surgical treatment is appropriate in many cases, and the choice between surgical and non-surgical management is made following specialist assessment.

Minimally invasive and open techniques

Both minimally invasive and open surgical techniques may be used depending on the condition and treatment approach. The choice of technique is guided by the specific problem and individual factors.

Recovery after Achilles tendon surgery

Recovery following Achilles tendon surgery is gradual and usually involves a structured rehabilitation programme.

The timeline for recovery varies between individuals and depends on the type of surgery performed and progress with rehabilitation.

When to seek specialist advice

If you have ongoing Achilles tendon pain, weakness or a suspected rupture, specialist assessment can help determine the cause and appropriate treatment options.

Frequently asked questions

Is Achilles tendon surgery always required?
No, many Achilles tendon conditions can be managed without surgery. Surgery is considered when symptoms persist or in cases such as tendon rupture.
What is a calf release procedure?
A calf release, or proximal medial gastrocnemius release, is a procedure used to reduce tension in the calf muscle and Achilles tendon. It may be used in patients with persistent symptoms related to tendon overload.
What types of surgery are used for Achilles tendon problems?
Surgical options may include calf release, removal of damaged tendon tissue, tendon transfer and procedures addressing insertional problems. The choice depends on the condition being treated.
How long does recovery take after Achilles tendon surgery?
Recovery varies depending on the procedure and individual factors but usually involves several months of rehabilitation.
Learn about causes of heel pain
Gastrocnemius release surgery
Achilles tendon rupture
​Oving Medical Clinic
​Tel: 01243773167
[email protected]
Chichester Nuffield
​Private secretary:
​Sarah Palmer
Tel: 01243753022
[email protected]

Goring Hall and
Nuffield Haywards Heath
​Private secretary:
Nicole Murray
​Tel: 07856 521034
​[email protected]
Copyright © 2015
  • Home
    • About Mr Edward Dawe
    • News
    • Privacy
  • Locations
  • Conditions
    • Foot pain
    • Bunions
    • Big Toe Arthritis (Hallux Rigidus)
    • Mortons Neuroma
    • Hindfoot Arthritis
    • Ankle Arthritis
    • Heel Pain >
      • Achilles tendinopathy
      • Plantar Fasciitis
      • Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy
      • Achilles tendon rupture
    • Flat Feet
    • Foot & Ankle Arthritis
  • Treatments
    • Bunion Surgery
    • Revision bunion surgery
    • Hallux Rigidus Surgery
    • Achilles tendon surgery >
      • Achilles tendon rupture surgery
      • Achilles tendinopathy surgery
      • Insertional Achilles Surgery
    • Gastrocnemius Release (PMGR)
    • Keyhole surgery
    • Ankle replacement surgery
    • Hindfoot Arthritis Surgery
    • Injections for foot and ankle pain
    • Complex Deformity Correction
    • Lateral ligament stabilisation surgery
    • Slant board exercises
    • Consent for surgery
  • Fees & Self-Pay Guide
  • Foot and ankle referrals
    • Foot and ankle surgeon appointments
    • Information for GPs referring patients with foot and ankle pain
    • I am not near West Sussex or am outside the UK
  • Recovery

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