George Dawson suffered from pain due to his diabetes for many years and has been dealing with a stiff Achilles tendon due to the pressure placed on his foot. The stiff Achilles tendon meant that the weight was not evenly distributed on his foot and Dawson would need to have the tendon surgically lengthened to relieve the pain and heal properly. Dawson’s podiatrist split his Achilles tendon where it would typically meet the calf muscle, giving it more slack and providing ease to the foot. For nearly two years, George Dawson has not had foot pain since.
Achilles tendon injuries and problems need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns feel free to contact Dr. Michael E. Newman and Dr. Denise Kohler of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
- Inflammation
- Dull to Severe Pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon
Rupture Symptoms
- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Plymouth Meeting and Ambler, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
