Personal stories about surgery for Achilles tendon rupture

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Carlo, age 34: I blew out my Achilles playing basketball-and we still lost! I've talked to my doctor about this, and he recommends surgery, as I want to continue playing basketball and am active in a lot of other ways. I'm going with an open surgery because that seems to be the best for not having another rupture. I realize there is more of a possibility for wound infection, but that's worth the risk-I don't want to pop my Achilles again, and, to tell the truth, I don't really worry about infections.

Marian, age 55: I don't really know how I did it, but I ruptured my Achilles tendon. I guess sometimes a simple action can do it. I don't like the idea of surgery, so I'm going with a cast and a good rehab program. Although I like to go for walks, I'm not an athlete by any means, so my doctor says I probably shouldn't have to worry about doing it again.

Brandi, age 45: And I thought my injury days were over! I gave up playing sports a while back, but I still referee young children's soccer games. At the last one I did, whack, there went my Achilles. Now I have to decide what to do. I'm not overly active, but I still like to get around. I'm also getting to the point where surgery and potential complications bother me, but on the other hand, I really don't want another rupture. My doctor told me he knows a surgeon who is very experienced in a type of surgery that does not make a big cut-I believe it's called percutaneous surgery. This surgery is supposed to solidly fix the tendon but have less risk of complications. This sounds good to me, especially because the surgeon is experienced.

Fred, age 33: I started jogging again after quite a few years, and a week later blam!-out goes my Achilles. Talk about bad luck! My doc says surgery would be no problem, as I'm a young guy in good health. But surgery just bugs me. I'd rather have a cast, even if my doc says an operation gives me less risk of doing it again. But I've learned my lesson. After the cast comes off, I'll pay more attention to warming up and stretching. I won't be in the 10% who have rerupture after using a cast!