Tiger Woods recently underwent surgery for a ruptured tendon in his left Achilles, prompting questions about his return to professional golf. According to Professor Nima Heidari, a Consultant Orthopedic And Trauma Surgeon at The London Clinic, this injury is common among middle-aged men and typically requires significant recovery time.

For elite athletes like Woods, surgery is the preferred treatment option to ensure proper healing and prevent re-rupture. The rehabilitation process includes:

• 1-2 weeks non-weight bearing to allow wound healing
• Gradual return to bearing load on the foot
• Ongoing rehabilitation exercises for strength maintenance
• Upper body, core, hamstring, glute, and quadricep training throughout recovery

While full recovery typically takes 9-12 months for most people, athletes may see similar timelines. However, there's room for optimism:

• Recovery follows a logarithmic curve with most progress in the first three months
• Standing and hitting golf balls may be possible relatively early
• Competition-level play could resume around the 6-7 month mark
• Modified swing techniques may be necessary during recovery

This timeline suggests Woods will likely miss all four Major Championships in 2025. However, a return at the PNC Championship in December alongside his son Charlie remains possible, assuming recovery proceeds as planned.

This marks Woods' third surgery in three years, adding to his extensive history of medical procedures, including six back surgeries, with his most recent back operation occurring after The Open Championship last year.

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