Achilles Tendon Specialist
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Edward Bustamante, DPM, FACFAS
Foot & Ankle Surgeon & Podiatrist located in Miami, FL
Your Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body, and one of the most vulnerable. Achilles tendon injuries are serious and require expert evaluation at a foot and ankle practice such as Edward Bustamante, DPM, LLC. Armed with on-site imaging, Dr. Bustamante quickly assesses and treats Achilles tendon problems in his Miami area patients. For more information, call the office or request an appointment using the online booking tool.
Achilles Tendon Q & A
What is an Achilles tendon injury?
Your Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body and connects your calf muscle to your heel. This tendon allows you to point your toe or stand on your tiptoes and plays a critical role in your mobility.
The most common Achilles tendon injury is a rupture, which is a partial or complete tear of the connective tissue. The rupture generally occurs a few inches above your heel and is usually the result of a fall, misstep, or repeated stress that wears down the tendon until it ruptures.
Most Achilles tendon ruptures occur in men between the ages of 30 and 40 (men outpace women by five to one).
What are the symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury?
When you rupture your Achilles tendon, you may realize it right away or feel no symptoms at all, only becoming aware of it as your mobility becomes affected. And some people may hear a popping noise, while others don’t. However your Achilles tendon injury presents itself, it’s likely to include:
- Pain and swelling around your heel
- Dull pain in your calf
- Inability or difficulty pointing your toes or standing on your tiptoes
It’s very important that you seek the expert guidance of Dr. Bustamante at the first signs of a problem with your Achilles tendon because if it’s only a partial tear, you want to prevent a complete sever.
How are Achilles tendon injuries diagnosed and treated?
For acute evaluations of injuries such as Achilles tendon ruptures, Dr. Bustamante has on-site diagnostic imaging equipment, including X-rays and ultrasound. These tools save valuable time and allow him to make a quick diagnosis, getting you the treatment you need as soon as possible.
If you have a partial tear, Dr. Bustamante will likely send you home in a walking boot in order to protect your tendon from tearing further. If your rupture is complete, and you’re an active person, he typically recommends surgery to repair the tendon. After your minimally invasive procedure, Dr. Bustamante administers regenerative medicine, namely platelet-rich plasma and stem cell therapies, to help your tendon heal more quickly.
For quality Achilles tendon care, call Edward Bustamante, DPM, LLC, or book an appointment using the online scheduling tool.
