Book An Appointment
Patient Registration Form

Tendon & Ligament Repair – Rebuilding Foot & Ankle Strength

Call Now

03 9999 6795

Book an Appointment

Book Here

Expert Care for Damaged Tendons and Ligaments in Your Foot & Ankle

Tendon and ligament injuries in the foot and ankle can be incredibly painful and disruptive, severely impacting your ability to walk, stand, and participate in daily activities or sports. These vital soft tissues provide stability and enable movement, and when damaged, require expert care to heal properly and restore full function. Mr. Raman Sethi specialises in Tendon & Ligament Repair to rebuild the strength and integrity of your foot and ankle. Mr. Raman Sethi is a fellowship-trained Foot & Ankle Surgeon with extensive experience in diagnosing and surgically repairing a wide array of tendon and ligament injuries, dedicated to getting you back on your feet with confidence.

Mr.Sethi’s Approach to Tendon & Ligament Repair

Mr. Sethi employs a comprehensive approach to tendon and ligament injuries, prioritising non-surgical management when appropriate, and offering advanced surgical repair or reconstruction when necessary to ensure optimal healing and restoration of function.
Non-Surgical Management
  • RICE Protocol : Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation for acute injuries.
  • Immobilization : Bracing, casting, or walking boots to protect the injured area during healing.
  • Physiotherapy : Crucial for regaining strength, flexibility, balance, and proprioception.
  • Medication & Injections : Anti-inflammatory drugs and targeted injections to manage pain and inflammation.
When non-surgical treatments are insufficient, or for complete ruptures, Mr. Sethi performs various surgical procedures:
  • Achilles Tendon Reconstruction/Repair : Direct repair of the torn tendon ends, often reinforced with sutures or grafts, to restore continuity and strength.
  • Peroneal Tendon Repair : Debridement of damaged portions, repair of splits, or reconstruction to stabilise the tendons.
  • Posterior Tibial Tendon Reconstruction : Often involving tendon transfers and osteotomies to correct flatfoot deformity associated with PTTD.
  • Ligament Repair (e.g., Modified Brostrom) : Directly tightening and reinforcing stretched or torn ligaments, commonly used for chronic ankle instability.
  • Ligament Reconstruction : Using a graft (from your body or a donor) to reconstruct severely damaged or absent ligaments.
The specific technique is chosen based on the type, location, and severity of the injury, as well as your activity level and goals.

Understanding Foot & Ankle Tendon & Ligament Injuries

Tendons :

Tendons are strong, fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones, allowing movement. Common tendon injuries in the foot and ankle include:

  • Achilles Tendon Injury : From painful inflammation (tendinopathy) to partial or complete ruptures of the body's largest tendon, crucial for pushing off the ground.
  • Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction (PTTD) : Weakening or tearing of the tendon that supports the arch, often leading to adult acquired flatfoot deformity.
  • Peroneal Tendon Injuries : Affecting the tendons on the outside of the ankle, often seen after ankle sprains, leading to pain and instability.
  • Other Tendinopathies : Including those affecting the tibialis anterior or flexor hallucis longus tendons.

Ligaments:

Ligaments are strong bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones to other bones, providing stability to joints. Common ligament injuries in the foot and ankle include:
  • Ankle Sprains : Overstretching or tearing of the ligaments around the ankle, most commonly on the outside.
  • Syndesmosis Injury ("High Ankle Sprain") : A sprain of the ligaments connecting the two shin bones (tibia and fibula) just above the ankle.
  • Chronic Ankle Instability : Persistent looseness or "giving way" of the ankle due to poorly healed or repeatedly sprained ligaments.

Why Choose Mr. Raman Sethi?

Specialised Soft Tissue Expertise

As a fellowship-trained Foot & Ankle Surgeon, Mr. Sethi has profound expertise in diagnosing and meticulously repairing the intricate network of tendons and ligaments in the foot and ankle.

Comprehensive Treatment Spectrum

He offers a full range of solutions, from conservative care to complex surgical repairs and reconstructions, ensuring the most appropriate and effective treatment for your specific injury.

Focus on Restoring Dynamic Function

His primary goal is to not just heal the injury but to restore the full dynamic stability and strength needed for walking, running, and participating in sports.

Integrated Rehabilitation Strategy

Mr. Sethi emphasises a close working relationship with physiotherapists to develop a structured, phased rehabilitation program, crucial for optimal healing and return to function.

What to Expect During Your Recovery

Recovery from tendon and ligament repair can be a significant process, requiring dedication to your rehabilitation program:

Initial Immobilization

Often involves a cast or protective boot for several weeks to allow the tendon/ligament to heal.

Gradual Mobilisation

Progressive introduction of weight-bearing and range of motion exercises under physiotherapy guidance.

Strengthening & Balance

Focused exercises to regain muscle strength, endurance, and proprioception (awareness of your body in space).

Return to Activity

A gradual and supervised return to daily activities, and eventually sports, based on your progress and the advice of Mr. Sethi and your physiotherapist.

FAQs

Do all tendon and ligament tears in the foot/ankle require surgery?
Not necessarily. Minor sprains and partial tears can often heal with conservative management (RICE, immobilization, physiotherapy). However, complete ruptures of major tendons (like the Achilles) or chronic ligament instability often require surgical repair for optimal function.
Biological healing takes time, usually several weeks for initial tendon/ligament integration. Full strength and recovery for demanding activities can take 6 months to a year, as the repaired tissue needs to mature and strengthen progressively through rehabilitation.
Yes, for most tendon and ligament repairs, a period of immobilization in a cast or protective boot is required to protect the healing tissue and allow it to mend securely.
Physiotherapy is absolutely crucial. It guides you through safe range-of- motion exercises, progressive strengthening, balance training, and eventually sport-specific drills, ensuring optimal recovery and reducing the risk of re- injury.
While not all injuries can be prevented, maintaining good strength, flexibility, balance, and using appropriate footwear can help. Proper warm-up, cool- down, and progressive training when engaging in sports are also important. Addressing any underlying instability is key.

Ready to Rebuild Strength and Stability?

If you've suffered a tendon or ligament injury in your foot or ankle, expert care is crucial for a successful recovery. Book a Consultation with Mr. Raman Sethi to discuss your condition.
Contact Us