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The Achilles tendon, the. thickest and strongest tendon in the body, originates from the calf muscles ( gastrocnemius, soleus and plantaris) and inserts upon heel bone (calcaneus).

Achilles tendonitis, an inflammation of the tendon,  is painful and can be difficult to treat.  Conservative therapy includes trials of NSAIDs, orthotics, and physical therapy.

At the Centeno-Schultz Clinic, we evaluate all possible factors which can potentially cause pain and impede healing.  RC is a case is point.  He is an athletic patient who despite surgery on the left Achilles tendon continued to have pain and limited function  Next step was a large orthopedic surgery with grafting of a foot tendon into the Achilles tendon.  RC sought a second opinion at the Centeno-Schultz Clinic.  Past medical history was significant for the use of simvastatin for elevated cholesterol which has been associated with tendonitis and possible tendon rupture.  Physical examination was significant for weakness in the left big toe and abnormal neurologic exam consistent with nerve root irritation of a lumbar nerve root.  After being tapering off his cholesterol medication, RC underwent mysofasical deactivation(IMS), x-ray guided injections of platelet-derived growth factors into the lumbar spine, ultrasound-guided injections of PRP and physical therapy.

Yesterday RC returned to clinic and reported 80% improvement and return to athletic activity.  By discontinuing a toxic medication, addressing neurologic and muscular-based dysfunction along with PRP injections, RC patient was able to avoid surgery.

PRP has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of Achilles tendon injuries.

Achilles Tendonitis

Heel pain is one of those issues that can affect most of what you do in a day and can be disabling. A common cause of heel pain is the Achilles tendon. What is the Achilles tendon? What is Achilles tendonitis? What are the different injuries? Is stem cell therapy for Achilles tendonitis a viable option? Where & What Is the Achilles Tendon? A tendon is a thick fibrous band of connective tissue that connects a muscle to bone. There are more than 30 million tendon and ligament injuries annually. The Achilles tendon, which is the thickest tendon in the body connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It consists of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles that unite to form a thick band that is immediately above the heel tab on your shoe. It enables the downward movement of the foot and bending of the knee.

Read More About Achilles Tendonitis

Ankle Arthritis

Your ankle is located where the distal ends of the tibia and fibula bones (lower-leg bones) meet the talus bone at the foot. Between these bones are the ankle joints (e.g., tibiotalar, tibiofibular, subtalar, etc.). The ankle joint also consists of strong supporting tendons and ligaments. If you consistently experience ankle pain with walking or running or carrying a heavy load, this could be tendon inflammation, ligament instability, or arthritis in one of those joints.

Read More About Ankle Arthritis

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