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Achilles Tendon Injuries By Dr. Warren Windram D.P.M. Dealing with a sudden or constant pain to the back of your leg? Achilles tendonitis is a condition revolving around inflammation to the biggest tendon in your body. Constant over use is seen in the elite to recreational athlete through activities that stress the tendon (tennis, basketball, running). Even the “weekend warrior” that places increased demand to the tendon during participation of extra curricular activities can aggravate this condition. People have a tendency to ignore this short-lived pain since the inflammation usually resolves, but if not resolved, it may lead to degeneration of the tendon and possibly small tears (tendinosis). (Figure 1) The pain associated with
Achilles tendinitis typically begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg or above the heel after running or other sports activity. Episodes of more-severe pain may occur after prolonged running, stair climbing, or sprinting. You might also experience tenderness or stiffness, especially in the morning, which usually improves with mild activity. It is common to see sudden ruptures of the Achilles tendon in the adult population from repeated over-use and neglect of the initial symptoms. Symptoms of a rupture include the feeling of having been kicked in the calf, pain and swelling near the heel, inability to bend the foot downward or “push off” the injured leg when walking, inability to stand on the toes of the injured leg, and even hearing a popping or snapping sound when
the injury occurs. Treatment for Achilles tendonitis can be directed by a foot and ankle surgeon after diagnosing the condition with simple immobilization, ice, oral medication, orthotics (custom device to treat gait abnormalities), night splints, stretching, and even physical therapy. Prolonged symptoms and sudden ruptures require a MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) for early identification of Achilles tendinopathy and detailed evaluation of the tendon itself. Surgical intervention will be determined based on the extent of the injury (mostly tendon ruptures and advanced tendon degeneration), which may include direct tendon repair with biocompatible, abrasion resistant suture (Fiber-wire/Fiber-tape) with associated hardware (anchors),
and augmentation with even applied biologics (platelet rich plasma, amniotic stem cells/grafts).
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Dr. Windram specializes in foot & ankle reconstructive/trauma surgery, with a particular interest in total ankle joint replacement surgery. He is involved with podiatric surgical training, working as the podiatric surgical residency director at Memorial Health Care System. Dr. Windram is the current director of the Foot and Ankle Fellowship program at Westside Regional Medical Center and is a clinical instructor at Westside & Memorial Health Care System’s podiatric surgical residency programs. South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine 209 S.W. 84th Avenue, Plantation, FL 33324
New Plantation Location
South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine Foot, Ankle & Leg Specialists
SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS
2021
2020
Fractures, Arthritis and More
Pediatric & Sports Medicine
therapists, and staff provide patients The Foot, ankle, and leg specialists with the latest medical technology at South Florida Institute of Sports and surgical procedures. Medicine (SFISM) have moved to a new location off Pine Island Road Expanded Access to Care near the Westfield Broward Mall. Dr. SFISM now offers telemedicine Warren Windram and Dr. John Goodner consultations and same-day appointare already seeing patients at the ments. The new space has more exam new, state-of-the-art location, which rooms, giving patients faster opened to accommodate service and greater access to the increasing number care. Families will have peace of patients. of mind knowing injured SFISM provides the loved ones will be seen by most comprehensive, a board-certified surgeon state-of-the-art podiatric, quickly. Dr. Windram and Dr. orthopedic, and rehabiliGoodner, along with their tative care for patients in colleagues Dr. Carlo Messina Scan Here Broward County. and Dr. Michael Cohen, also to Schedule an Their highly trained have offices in Weston and Appointment physicians, physical Pembroke Pines.
⊲ South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine’s new location is 209 S.W. 84th Avenue, Plantation, FL 33324. They accept most health insurance plans and offer discounted rates for self-paying patients. To make an appointment call 954-720-1530 or visit www.SouthFloridaSportsMedicine.com.
⊲ The foot, ankle and leg specialists of South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine are affiliated with Sports Medicine Associates: Dr. Al DeSimone, Dr. Tony Moya, Dr. Alex Bertot, Dr. Franz Jones, Dr. David Shenassa, and Dr. Jorge Gonzalez. Our City Plantation / October 2021 / OurCityMedia.com / 29
