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Providing Excellent Orthopaedic Patient Care in Orange County

Foot and Ankle

Achilles Tendon Injuries

 

Achilles tendon injuries affect the back of your ankle. An Achilles rupture is almost always describe as “feeling kicked in the back of the leg”. It most commonly occurs in people playing recreational sports. If you have an Achilles tendon rupture, you might feel a pop or snap, followed by an immediate sharp pain in the back of your ankle and lower leg that makes it hard to walk.

Why surgery?

 

Surgery is often the best treatment option to repair an Achilles tendon rupture. Surgery allows a rapid return to ankle motion, and can help prevent stiffness. There is a much higher rate of re-rupture if treated without surgery.

Surgery and recovery

 

I treat Achilles tears with a small incision on the back of the heel and suture the ends together. This small incision is not just cosmetic but functional. A larger scar can make it painful to wear shoes. An accelerated rehabilitation program can get you back to sports and activities reliably and quickly.

Plantar Fasciitis / Heel Pain

Excessive running or jumping can irritate the tissue band (fascia) connecting the heel bone to the base of the toes. The pain is under your heel and may be mild at first but flares up when you take your first steps after resting overnight. You may need to do special stretching exercises, wear a splint at night, and take medication to reduce swelling and wear a heel pad in your shoe. For people with a certain type of foot shape orthotics may be helpful in the treatment and prevention of future episodes.

Foot and Ankle Fractures (Tibia, Fibula, Talus, Metatarsal)

A fractured ankle can range from a simple break in one bone, which may not stop you from walking, to several fractures, which forces your ankle out of place and may require that you not put weight on it for three months. A fracture ankle can be caused by:

 

  • “Twisting” or rotating your ankle
    • “Rolling” your ankle
      • Tripping or falling
        • Impact during a car accident

 

In 2003, 1.2 million people visited emergency rooms because of ankle problems. Nearly one-fourth of all the bones in your body are in your feet, which provide you with both support and movement.

How is it treated?

Some fractures require surgery to heal properly. These are best treated in the first few weeks after injury before there is too much scarring but after the swelling has gone down enough to operate. If you are injured keep weight off the leg and apply ice packs without direct contact with the skin. Apply the ice for no more than 20 minutes at a time. Above all elevate your ankle as high as you can to reduce swelling. We will have to take x-rays and examine your foot and ankle to determine the best action to take for your treatment.

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