Golf icon Tiger Woods announced on social media that he ruptured his left Achilles tendon while training at home in preparation for his PGA Tour comeback. He underwent surgery the same day and is currently in recovery.

What’s Next for Tiger Woods?

With another major injury sidelining him, questions arise about Woods' return to competitive golf, particularly for this year’s Masters Tournament. To provide insight into this injury and its recovery, we spoke with Dr. Daniel Bohl, MD, a leading orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, who frequently performs Achilles tendon repair surgeries on athletes.

Understanding achilles rupture and recovery

Dr. Bohl explains:

• The Achilles tendon is the body’s largest and strongest tendon, essential for walking, running, jumping, and stability.
• Treatment options include non-surgical and surgical approaches, with surgery offering a lower risk of re-rupture, making it the preferred choice for most athletes.
• Minimally invasive Achilles repair techniques, used by top surgeons like those at Rush, can enhance recovery time, reduce complications, and minimize postoperative pain.
• Athletes typically return to sport around 5-6 months post-surgery, though full recovery may take up to 12 months.

Tiger Woods’ prognosis

With a well-performed minimally invasive Achilles repair and Woods’ dedication to rehabilitation, his prognosis is excellent. If all goes well, he is expected to make a full return to golf.

Expert Achilles treatment at MOR

Dr. Daniel Bohl specializes in Achilles repairs using the same minimally invasive techniques trusted by elite athletes. Schedule an appointment if you’ve suffered an Achilles rupture and want to explore treatment options.