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Common Conditions

Achilles Tendinitis

Latest Advancements In Achilles Tendon Treatments

Achilles tendinitis is a very common disorder that affects many patients. Achilles tendinitis commonly presents as pain and swelling about the back of the heel and ankle region. These symptoms can present as sudden onset secondary to an injury or can occur slowly over extended periods of time. The Achilles tendon can present as a swollen, thickened and painful area generally about 3-5 cm above the heel bone. This thickening of the tendon is called tendinosis which represents mid substance tearing of the tendon. This condition represents a weakened Achilles tendon which can predispose the tendon to rupture.

Achilles tendinitis can also be caused by a bone spur about the back of the heel bone. This spurring of the bone causes irritation about the insertion of the Achilles tendon. The irritation can produces swelling of the tendon sheath and the bursa between the bone and tendon. This can be a very painful condition. The pain is generally produced while standing, walking and in shoe wear.

The team of board certified doctors, lead by Dr Michael Livingston, at Livingston Podiatry Associates are leading experts in the latest advancements in both conservative and surgical management of Achilles tendinitis. Conservative therapies considered are ultrasound guided injection therapy, physical therapy, oral medication and custom shoe inserts and braces. The doctors at LPA will create a customized treatment protocol to assist each patient in reaching a maximal outcome.

Dr Michael Livingston is a board certified reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon with over twenty years of experience. Dr Michael Livingston is the chief of Reconstructive Foot and Ankle surgery at North Shore University Hospital at Syosset. Dr Livingston is one of the leading innovators of the latest advancement in the surgical management of Achilles tendinitis and ruptured Achilles tendons. Dr Livingston has been successfully transferring an adjacent tendon to the Achilles tendon into the heel bone to augment the structural strength of the weakened Achilles tendon. This procedure is done in conjunction with repairing the Achilles tendon and if necessary removing any abnormal bone in the area of insertion of the Achilles tendon. This exciting advancement has allowed patients to regain strength of the Achilles tendon with earlier return to activities.

Note: The following educational references are presented as a public service and for informational purposes only. The material is derived from the current medical knowledge on the topics listed. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.




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