Minimally Invasive Achilles Tendon Repair, Haglund's Deformity, and Plantar Fasciitis Specialist

The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body, yet it is one of the most commonly injured structures in active adults. Whether you are suffering from a sudden Achilles rupture, chronic tendon degeneration, heel pain, or complications from previous surgery, specialized treatment can help restore strength, mobility, and function.

Dr. John Goodner specializes in minimally invasive Achilles tendon surgery, Achilles tendon reconstruction, Haglund's deformity correction, heel spur surgery, sports medicine, and complex revision foot and ankle reconstruction.

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and plays a critical role in walking, running, jumping, and athletic performance. Injuries may develop suddenly from trauma or gradually from chronic overuse and degeneration. Common conditions include:

• Achilles tendon rupture
• Achilles tendinitis
• Achilles tendinosis
• Insertional Achilles tendinopathy
• Haglund's deformity
• Retrocalcaneal bursitis
• Calcaneal spurs
• Partial Achilles tears
• Chronic Achilles degeneration
• Failed previous Achilles surgery

An Achilles tendon rupture often occurs during sports or sudden explosive activities. Patients commonly describe:

• A popping sensation
• Sudden pain in the back of the ankle
• Difficulty walking
• Weakness pushing off the foot
• Inability to perform a heel raise
• Swelling and bruising Prompt eval

Advances in surgical techniques now allow many Achilles tendon ruptures to be repaired through smaller incisions compared to traditional open surgery.

Benefits may include:

• Smaller incisions
• Reduced wound complications
• Less soft tissue disruption
• Improved cosmetic appearance
• Earlier rehabilitation
• Faster recovery for many patients
• Treatment recommendations are individualized based on injury location, tissue quality, patient activity level, and overall health.

The Percutaneous Achilles Repair System (PARS) utilizes specialized instrumentation designed to repair Achilles ruptures through minimally invasive techniques.

Potential advantages include:

• Smaller surgical exposure
• Preservation of soft tissues
• Strong tendon fixation
• Reduced wound healing complications
• Earlier mobilization protocols

For many active patients, minimally invasive Achilles repair can provide excellent functional outcomes while minimizing surgical morbidity.

Not all Achilles problems occur suddenly.

Chronic tendinosis develops gradually as the tendon undergoes degenerative changes over time. Symptoms may include:

• Morning stiffness
• Pain with activity
• Thickening of the tendon
• Persistent swelling
• Reduced athletic performance
• Difficulty running or exercising

Many patients have struggled with symptoms for months or years before seeking specialized treatment.

Whenever possible, treatment begins with non-surgical options. Conservative therapies may include:

• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Eccentric strengthening programs
• Custom orthotics
• Heel lifts
• Supportive footwear
• Immobilization
• Anti-inflammatory treatment
• Ultrasound-guided therapies

Many patients experience significant improvement without surgery.

When chronic degeneration, partial tearing, or complete rupture cannot be successfully treated conservatively, surgical reconstruction may be indicated. Reconstruction procedures may include:

• Tendon debridement
• Repair of partial tears
• Tendon augmentation
• Tendon transfers
• Flexor hallucis longus (FHL) tendon transfer
• Revision tendon reconstruction
• Chronic rupture reconstruction

Each procedure is customized to the severity of tendon damage and patient goals.

Haglund's deformity is a prominent enlargement of the back of the heel bone that irritates the Achilles tendon and surrounding tissues. Patients often experience:

• Pain at the back of the heel
• Swelling
• Difficulty wearing shoes Achilles tendon irritation
• Chronic inflammation

Haglund's deformity frequently occurs alongside insertional Achilles tendinopathy.

Inflammation of the bursa between the Achilles tendon and heel bone can cause:

• Pain with activity
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Shoe irritation

This condition is commonly associated with Haglund's deformity and insertional Achilles disease.

For patients who fail conservative treatment, minimally invasive surgery may effectively address the underlying bony prominence. Potential benefits include:

• Smaller incisions
• Less soft tissue disruption
• Reduced postoperative pain
• Minimal scarring
• Faster recovery for many patients

The procedure focuses on removing the painful prominence while preserving healthy surrounding tissues.