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Achilles Tendon Surgery Helps Prevent Diabetic Foot Ulcers

CHICAGO – Diabetes patients frustrated by hard-to-heal, infection-prone ulcers on their feet could benefit from a common, minimally invasive surgical procedure to relieve tightness in their Achilles tendons, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) reports.

The Achilles is the largest tendon in the human body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone.  As we age, the tendon naturally tightens.  However, diabetes exacerbates the process as increased blood sugar levels deposit glucose in the collagen of the tendon, greatly reducing its elasticity and making stretching almost impossible.

“A tight Achilles inhibits ankle movement, forcing diabetes patients to place excessive pressure on the front of the foot,” said J. Christopher Moore, DPM, AACFAS, an Asheville, N.C. foot and ankle surgeon. “Pressure normally absorbed by the ankle has to go somewhere else and the forefoot gets most of it, heightening risk for ulcer development underneath the toe joints.”

Foot sores or ulcers are a common complication of diabetes.  They result from sensation loss or neuropathy, which deprives diabetes patients of their ability to feel pressure or pain in the lower extremities.  Therefore, according to the ACFAS consumer Web site, FootPhysicians.com, even the slightest cut, blister or wound can develop into a diabetic foot ulcer. Such wounds can cause tissue and bone infections and can result in loss of a toe, a foot, a leg or even a life.

Moore said published research has shown that surgery to lengthen the Achilles tendon in a diabetes patient can help prevent ulcer recurrence. “Our goal always is to close the wound as quickly as possible to avoid infection, and we’re becoming more aware that preventing ulcer recurrence in patients with advanced diabetes is best achieved by a minimally invasive procedure to lengthen a tight Achilles tendon,” said Moore.

Lengthening occurs by making three small, pinpoint cuts to loosen and stretch the tendon. This helps restore ankle flexibility and relieves forefoot pressure. The procedure allows patients with diabetes who keep their blood sugar under control to walk more normally and may lower their risk for redeveloping foot ulcers.

“I have seen diabetes patients whose foot ulcers heal, yet continue to recur because the untreated Achilles tendon problem is the root cause,” said Moore.  He advises patients with diabetes who have developed foot ulcers to see a foot and ankle surgeon to determine if the Achilles tendons surgery is appropriate for them.

For further information about diabetic foot conditions and to locate a foot and ankle surgeon in your area, visit FootPhysicians.com, the ACFAS consumer Web site.