Achilles Tendon Injuries

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).

By Dr. Warren Windram D.P.M.

▸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 Fractures, Arthritis and More Pediatric & Sports Medicine

SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS

2021

2020

The Foot, ankle, and leg specialists at South Florida Institute of Sports Medicine (SFISM) have moved to a new location off Pine Island Road near the Westfield Broward Mall. Dr. Warren Windram and Dr. John Goodner are already seeing patients at the new, state-of-the-art location, which opened to accommodate the increasing number of patients.

SFISM provides the most comprehensive, state-of-the-art podiatric, orthopedic, and rehabilitative care for patients in Broward County. Their highly trained physicians, physical Scan Here to Schedule an Appointment

therapists, and staff provide patients with the latest medical technology and surgical procedures.

Expanded Access to Care

SFISM now offers telemedicine consultations and same-day appointments. The new space has more exam rooms, giving patients faster service and greater access to care. Families will have peace of mind knowing injured loved ones will be seen by a board-certified surgeon quickly. Dr. Windram and Dr. Goodner, along with their colleagues Dr. Carlo Messina and Dr. Michael Cohen, also have offices in Weston and 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.