Brett Anderson of the Los Angeles Dodgers suffered an Achilles tendon injury after a game against the Atlanta Braves. At the time of the injury, Anderson was not sure if whether the discomfort in his Achilles tendon would be a minor or more major concern. “Hopefully,” Anderson said, “I caught it before it was anything major.” After the game against the braves, Anderson was seen standing in the clubhouse at Turner Field with his left foot in a walking boot. If he is forced to sit out for the rest of the season, Anderson will be joining players Hyun-Jin Ryu and Brandon McCarthy who both underwent season-ending operations.
Achilles tendon injuries need immediate attention to avoid future complications. If you have any concerns contact Dr. Joshua David Scoll of Pennsylvania. Our doctor will treat your foot and ankle needs.
What is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Because this tendon is such an integral part of the body, any injuries to it can cause severe difficulties and should immediately be presented to a doctor.
What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?
There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.
Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms
- Inflammation
- Dull to Severe Pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon
Rupture Symptoms
- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility
Treatment and Prevention
Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:
- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise
- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Bensalem and Philadelphia, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.
