Treating Foot and Ankle Conditions

Preoperative and Postoperative Patient With Achilles Tendonitis

Preoperative and Postoperative Patients with Achilles Tendonitis
 
I recently evaluated and treated a patient who suffered from achilles tendonitis for multiple years.  He had seen numerous other physicians and attempted conservative therapy consisting of physical therapy, NSAIDS, immobilization and bracing.   His preoperative xrays are below;  
 
On the xray one can appreciate the large prominent posterior process of the calcaneaus or heel bone.  This is a source of constant mechanical irritation of the achilles tendon as it inserts.  Below one can see how the bone was removed and now the achilles tendon will not be irritated in the normal  ambulatory cycle.  The achilles tendon required partial detachment then was reattached with bone anchors. 

We see quite a few patients with achilles tendonitis, most do not require surgery.  Or treatment protocols for tendonitis have been well established and time tested.  If our patients do require surgery we are often able to preform it in our surgery center saving a costly and timely trip to the hospital.

Some Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis:

• Pain behind the heel
• Pain after a period of inactivity
• Stiffness, soreness or tenderness in the tendon (directly above the heel to just below the calf muscle)
• The area above the heel is tender to the touch
• Enlarged tendon

 Read more about the symptoms, causes and Achilles Tendonitis treatement. 

Issaquah Foot and Ankle Specialists
BestFootDoc.com

Did you know that we have developed a dedicated resource for heel pain sufferers?
SeattleHeelPain.com