Achilles tendon ruptures most often happen to "weekend warriors" who are typically middle-aged people participating in sports. Sometimes illness or medications can weaken the tendon and contribute to an injury.

Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Rupture

• Sudden pain in the back of the ankle or calf, which may turn into a dull ache
• A popping or snapping feeling.
• Swelling on the back of the leg between the heel and the calf
• Difficulty walking upstairs or uphill and problems rising up on the toes

Until the patient is able to see a foot and ankle doctor, the "R.I.C.E." method should be used. The R.I.C.E method includes: Resting (stay off the injured foot and ankle), ice (put a bag of ice covered with a thin towel on the injury) compression (wrap the foot and ankle in an elastic bandage) and elevation (keep the leg up to reduce the swelling).

Diagnosis of an Achilles Tendon Rupture

When diagnosing an Achilles tendon rupture, the foot and ankle surgeon will ask questions about the injury, examine the foot and ankle, and evaluate range of motion and muscle strength. Sometimes the foot and ankle surgeon may order an MRI, x-ray or other imaging tests.

Treatment for an Achilles Tendon Rupture

Non-surgical treatment is for minor ruptures, less active patients, and people with medical conditions that prevent them from having surgery. Non-surgical treatment may include the use of a cast, walking boot, or brace to keep the foot and ankle still and allow the torn tendon to heal. There are also medications such as Ibuprofen that can help reduce inflammation.

Surgical Treatment for an Achilles Tendon Rupture

Surgery can decrease the chances of re-rupturing the Achilles tendon, but can increase the patient's push-off strength and improve muscle function and movement. An experienced foot and ankle surgeon can recommend the best type of surgery for the patient.

After surgery, the foot and ankle are placed in a cast or boot to keep it still. When the ankle is ready, physical therapy can help the healing process.

Remember, any type of foot or ankle pain is never normal. A foot and ankle doctor can examine your feet and give you the best course of action.

Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 818-408-2800 (San Fernando) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your foot and/or ankle needs.

If Achilles tendonosis happens, the tendon loses its structure and will probably develop small tears. Usually this happens where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. In some cases, Achilles tendonosis could turn into a rupture of the tendon.

Doing sudden activity involving the Achilles tendon may cause Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis. This sudden activity works the tendon too quickly, leading to micro-injury of the tendon fibers.

Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis happen to athletes and people whose jobs put stress on their ankles and feet, such as laborers.  "Weekend warriors" who participate in athletics only on weekends, or infrequently, can also suffer this injury. People with a flattening of the arch have a tendency to get this condition as well.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Disorders

The symptoms of Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis include pain anywhere along the tendon's path (upon arising in the morning or after periods of rest) and when the sides of the tendon are squeezed.

Diagnosis of Achilles Tendon Disorders

A foot and ankle surgeon may examine your foot and ankle and check your range of motion. A foot and ankle doctor may also use x-rays or MRIs.

Treatment for Achilles Tendon Disorders

Treatment for Achilles tendonitis and/or tendonosis depends how long the injury has been there and how bad it is. Early treatment may include:

• A cast or removable walking boot to keep your foot still and promote healing in the Achilles tendon.

• A bag of ice over a thin towel on the injured area for 20 minutes of each hour. Do not put ice directly against the skin.

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce the pain and inflammation.

• For those with flat feet or walking problems, custom orthotic devices may help.

• Night splints help to maintain a stretch in the Achilles tendon during sleep.

• Physical therapy may include exercises, soft-tissue massage/mobilization, walk and running re-education, stretching, and ultrasound therapy.

Surgical Treatment for Achilles Tendon Disorders

If these non-surgical treatments don't return the tendon to its normal condition, then surgery may be necessary. Your foot and ankle surgeon will help you select the best procedure to fix the tendon.

Remember, any type of foot or ankle pain is never normal. A foot and ankle doctor can examine your feet and give you the best course of action.

Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 818-408-2800 (San Fernando) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your foot and/or ankle needs.

Commercial Insurance out of network only

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In Network

• Medicare- In the process
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People who have an accessory navicular often don't know they even have it, and don't have to worry about it, unless the accessory navicular causes a problem.

What Is Accessory Navicular Syndrome?

That problem would be a painful condition known as accessory navicular syndrome.  This is when the bone and/or posterior tibial tendon are irritated and causing pain.

Accessory navicular syndrome can be caused by variety of things: a foot or ankle sprain, irritation from shoes that rub against the extra bone, and/or too much activity.

Many people with accessory navicular syndrome may have flat feet, which puts more strain on the posterior tibial tendon; this can produce more pain in the accessory navicular.

Symptoms of Accessory Navicular Syndrome

Adolescence is when symptoms of accessory navicular syndrome usually first show up. This is because adolescence is the time of life when bones are still maturing and cartilage is developing into bone.

Symptoms of accessory navicular syndrome may include a bony appearance on the midfoot, redness and swelling of the bony area, and/or pain or throbbing in the midfoot and arch of the foot.

Diagnosis of Accessory Navicular Syndrome

To diagnose accessory navicular syndrome, your foot and ankle surgeon will ask about your about symptoms and examine your foot. Your foot and ankle doctor may also press on the bony area for discomfort. Foot structure, muscle strength, joint motion, how you walk, x-rays and an MRI may also be evaluated. 

Treatment for Accessory Navicular Syndrome

Accessory navicular syndrome can be treated non-surgically and tragically. Non-surgical treatment for accessory navicular syndrome may include the following:

• The foot is placed in a cast or removable walking boot to allow the injured area to rest.
• A bag of ice covered with a thin towel is applied to the injured area. Do not put ice directly on the skin.
• Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can help. In some cases, oral or injected steroid medications may be used while keeping the foot still.
• Physical therapy exercises and treatments can strengthen the muscles and decrease pain.
• Orthotic devices, which fit into the shoe, can provide support for the arch.

Surgical Treatment for Accessory Navicular Syndrome

If non-surgical treatments fail to relieve your symptoms of accessory navicular syndrome, then you may need surgery.

Surgery may include removing the extra bone, reshaping the area, and repairing the posterior tibial tendon.  Your foot and ankle surgeon can tell you what treatment is best for you.

Remember, any type of foot or ankle pain is never normal. A foot and ankle doctor can examine your feet and give you the best course of action.

Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 818-408-2800 (San Fernando) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your foot and/or ankle needs.