The Achilles tendon Podiatrist Dallas, Tx forms from two muscles in the back of the calk, the gastrocnemius and the soleus, about 15 cm to 6 inches above the ankle joint and spirals as it crosses the ankle joint to attach to the heel bone calcaneus. A sheath surrounds the tendon, allowing it to glide easily as the ankle moves through its range of motion.
Since the calf muscles originate above the knee and the Achilles attaches below the ankle, the function of the muscle-tendon unit is critical for walking and running. When the calf muscles contract, it causes the ankle to point the foot downward and the foot to turn inward and up.
The tendon needs to be strong. Running and climbing stairs generates force inside the tendon equal to 10 times the body’s weight.
Types of Achilles Tendon Injuries
There are two different types of Achilles injuries Podiatrist Dallas, Tx: acute Achilles rupture and chronic Achilles tendonitis. Achilles rupture means that Achilles tendon has torn, and Achilles tendonitis means Achilles tendon has swelled up.
Achilles Rupture Tendon
When the Achilles tendon ruptures or tears, you may hear a pop and then feel a sharp pain at the back of ankle Podiatrist that radiates up Podiatrist lower leg. An Achilles rupture can occur as a result of age, overuse and other underlying problems, such as arthritis that weakens the tendon and makes it susceptible to tears and injury.
If you have Achilles tendonitis, injury or overuse of Podiatrist Achilles tendon has caused inflammation and swelling. The tendon may become thicker and harden. We characterize tendonitis in two ways, depending on where it is located.
Chronic Achilles Tendon
Chronic, long-lasting Achilles tendon disorders can range from overuse injuries to tearing of the tendon. Pain in the heel is often caused by a combination of both acute and chronic problems, including inflammation paratenonitis, insertional tendonitis and retrocalcaneal bursitis and tendinosis.
Insertional Achilles tendonitis, on the other hand, occurs in the area where the tendon meets the heel. Bone spurs, or bony growths in the heel, commonly occur with Achilles tendonitis.
Prepare for Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery
Talk with Podiatrist healthcare provider how to prepare for surgery. Tell Podiatrist Dallas, Tx healthcare provider about all the medicines you take. This includes over-the-counter medicines such as aspirin.
Patient may need to stop taking some medicines ahead of time, such as blood thinners. Smoking can delay healing. Talk with healthcare provider if you need help to stop smoking.
Before Podiatrist surgery, you may need imaging tests. These may include ultrasound, X-rays, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before Podiatrist surgery. Tell Podiatrist healthcare provider about any recent changes in Podiatrist health, such as a fever.
You may need to plan some changes at home to help you recover. This is because you won’t be able to walk on Podiatrist foot normally for a while. Plan to have someone drive you home from the hospital.
Treatment Options for Achilles Tendon
Two options exist for Achilles tendon rupture Podiatrist Dallas, Tx, one involving surgical repair and the other a conservative treatment. Each has its benefits and risk and decisions will depend upon the patient’s clinical situation, underlying medical background, the extent of the injury and the expectation of future activity.
Surgical intervention
Surgery is the recommended treatment for the young, healthy and active individuals. For athletes, surgery is often the first choice of treatment. The Achilles tendon can be repaired surgically by either a percutaneous or open technique. With the open technique, a physician makes an incision to allow for better visualization and approximation of the tendon.
Chronic Achilles Tendonitis Surgery
Debridement of the Achilles Tendon: During the debridement procedure, Podiatrist remove damaged of the Achilles tendon and repair the tendon with small stitches. We also remove any bone spurs, or tiny projections along the edges of bones, which may have developed with the damage to tendon. We use special hardware, such as metal or plastic anchors, to help hold the Achilles tendon in place. After debridement, you will likely need to wear a boot or cast for several weeks to help the tendon and tissues heal.
Tendon Transfer:
When the Achilles tendon Podiatrist Dallas, Tx is too damaged and unhealthy, it may require partial removal. In these cases, an Achilles tendon transfer is necessary. The tendon in the big toe is moved. The new tendon placement helps strengthen the damaged tendon while still allowing the big toe to move.
The advantages of a surgical approach includes a decreased risk of re-rupture rate (0%-5%); the majority of individuals can return to their original sporting activities (within a short time), and most regain their strength and endurance.
