Overview
Flexible flatfeet are considered normal in young children because babies are not born with a normal arch. The arch may not form fully until sometime between ages 7 and 10. Even in adulthood, 15% to 25% of people have flexible flatfeet. Most of these people never develop symptoms. In many adults who have had flexible flatfeet since childhood, the missing arch is an inherited condition related to a general looseness of ligaments. These people usually have extremely flexible, very mobile joints throughout the body, not only in the feet. Flatfeet also can develop during adulthood. Causes include joint disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and disorders of nerve function (neuropathy). Causes If the feet are exposed to damp conditions for prolonged periods, you can develop Trench Foot. Most commonly associated with World War One, it now tends to be seen in builders, hikers or festival goers. Trench foot causing numbness and bottom of foot pain. With Trench Foot, the sole of the foot turns a white/grey colour and you may develop pins and needles or numbness. Other symptoms include pain in bottom of foot and swelling. If left untreated, you can develop blisters and permanent nerve damage which can lead to the need for amputation. Treatment and prevention aim to reduce the dampness around the foot and ensure good foot hygiene. Slowly rewarming the feet and using special products in a foot bath really helps reduce the damage and foot arch pain from Trench Foot. Symptoms Flat feet don't usually cause problems, but they can put a strain on your muscles and ligaments (ligaments link two bones together at a joint). This may cause pain in your legs when you walk. If you have flat feet, you may experience pain in any of the following areas, the inside of your ankle, the arch of your foot, the outer side of your foot, the calf, the knee, hip or back, Some people with flat feet find that their weight is distributed unevenly, particularly if their foot rolls inwards too much (overpronates). If your foot overpronates, your shoes are likely to wear out quickly. Overpronation can also damage your ankle joint and Achilles tendon (the large tendon at the back of your ankle). See your GP if you or your child has flat feet and your feet are painful, even when wearing supportive, well-fitting shoes, shoes wear out very quickly, feet appear to be getting flatter, feet are weak, numb or stiff, Your GP may refer you to a podiatrist (foot specialist). Diagnosis In more difficult cases of plantar fasciitis you should see your foot health professional for a thorough examination. They will find out why your arch or heel pain occurred in the first place and devise a treatment plan to relieve your pain and prevent it from reoccurring. They will evaluate your feet, walking pattern (gait), shoes, activities, exercise methods, and other relevant information and then devise your treatment plan. Non Surgical Treatment Stretch the fascia. Prop your toes up against a wall, keeping your arch and heel flat so the toes stretch. Hold for a count of 10. Repeat 10 times three or four times per day. Roll a frozen water bottle under the arch. Stretch first then roll out the arch for 10 minutes; you don?t want to stretch the tendon when it?s ice cold. Freeze a golf ball and massage the fascia. Roll the frozen golf ball under the foot, starting from the front and working your way back. Put good pressure on each spot-the medial, center and lateral positions-for 15 seconds before moving to the next area. Then, roll the ball back and forth over the entire foot. Foam roll all muscles on the body above the plantar. Even tight shoulders can cause the condition, as your arm swing can throw off proper hip alignment and footstrike. Bump your arch. Get a commercial insole with an arch bump to push on the plantar and keep it from flexing-it doesn?t matter if you?re an under or overpronator; the plantar needs to be supported and strengthened, Wear the support in all shoes, if possible. Surgical Treatment The main goal of surgery is to reduce pain and improve function. It may also reduce other injuries such as repeated ankle sprains and broken bones. Surgery may be considered if there is no relief with physical therapy, changes in shoewear and/or changes in activity. Some patients will also have tendon problems, ankle weakness and foot fractures. These patients may require other procedures to address related problems. If you have medical problems that make surgery unsafe, any infections or blood vessel disease, cavus foot surgery may not be appropriate. The surgical procedures involved with the correction of the cavus foot are varied. Theses may include correction of the bony deformity, ankle looseness and the muscle imbalances that cause the deformity. The goal is to provide a foot that evenly distributes weight along both inside and outside edges. A variety of incisions may be needed to perform the procedures related to the correction of the cavus foot. Prevention People who run regularly should replace shoes every six months, more frequently if an avid runner. Avoid running or stepping on uneven surfaces. Try to be careful on rocky terrain or hills with loose gravel. Holes, tree stumps and roots are problems if you are trail running. If you have problems with the lower legs, a dirt road is softer than asphalt, which is softer than concrete. Try to pick a good surface if possible. However, if you're racing, be sure to train on the surface you'll eventually run on. Be careful running too many hills. Running uphill is a great workout, but make sure you gradually build this up to avoid injuries. Be careful when running downhill too fast, which can often lead to more injuries than running uphills. Prevent recurrent injuries. Athletes who have experienced ankle injuries previously may benefit from using a brace or tape to prevent recurrent ankle injuries. Overview
Painful progressive flatfoot, or else known as tibialis posterior tendonitis as well as adult-acquired flatfoot, identifies inflammation with the tendon with the tibialis posterior. This particular condition arises if the tendon becomes inflamed, stretched, or perhaps torn. Left untreated, it might lead to severe disability along with chronic pain. Individuals are generally predisposed for you to tibialis posterior tendonitis if they've got flat feet or possibly an abnormal attachment of the tendon for the bones inside the midfoot. Causes Several risk aspects tend to be associated with PTT dysfunction, including substantial blood pressure, obesity, diabetes, prior ankle surgery or perhaps trauma along with exposure in order to steroids. A New one who suspects that they tend to be suffering from PTT dysfunction must seek healthcare focus earlier as opposed to later. This is a lot easier to treat early and steer clear of a collapsed arch of computer is usually to repair one. While the anguish very first happens there isn't any significant flatfoot deformity, original treatments contain rest, oral anti-inflammatory medications and, depending about the severity, a special boot as well as brace. Symptoms Symptoms shift around any bit, depending on which stage of PTTD you?re in. With Regard To instance, you?re most likely to start off along with tendonitis, as well as inflammation in the posterior tibial tendon. This may increase your risk for location round the inside of your ankle and also potentially to your arch swollen, reddened, heat to the touch, as well as painful. Inflammation may truly final throughout the particular levels involving PTTD. The Actual ankle will also commence to roll towards the interior with the foot (pronate), your own heel may tilt, and anyone also could experience a amount of pain within your leg (e.g. shin splints). Since the actual situation progresses, the toes and foot commence to turn outward, so that once you take a look at your own foot from your back again (or have got a friend look for you, because-hey-that could be kind of a difficult maneuver to pull off) more toes compared to usual will probably be visible on the outside (i.e. the side with the pinky toe). at this stage, the actual foot?s still heading to become flexible, although it's likely to have in just about all probability flattened somewhat thanks to the not enough assistance from the posterior tibial tendon. you could also think it is hard to stand on the own toes. Finally, you may reach a new stage where you are inflexibly flat. From this point, an individual might expertise pain using your ankle about the outside of one's foot, as well as you may even develop arthritis within the ankle. Diagnosis Although you can perform "wet test" in home, an intensive examination by method of a doctor is likely to be required to recognize why the flatfoot developed. Feasible causes include a congenital abnormality, a new bone fracture or dislocation, a torn or even stretched tendon, arthritis or perhaps neurologic weakness. for example, an inability for you to rise up on your toes while standing about the affected foot may indicate damage towards the posterior tibial tendon (PTT), which supports the heel as well as types your arch. In case "too many toes" display on the outside of your foot when the physician views an individual in the rear, your current shinbone (tibia) could end up being sliding off your anklebone (talus), yet another indicator of harm towards the PTT. Always Be certain to use the normal shoes towards the examination. An irregular don pattern on the bottom in the shoe is yet another indicator associated with acquired adult flatfoot. Your Current physician could request X-rays in order to see how your bones associated with the feet tend to be aligned. Muscle Mass as well as tendon strength are tested through asking you to go your foot while the doctor holds it. Non surgical Treatment Treatment depends quite definitely upon a new patient?s symptoms, practical goals, diploma and also specifics regarding deformity, and the existence associated with arthritis. A Range Of patients progress without having surgery. Rest and also immobilization, orthotics, braces along with physical therapy almost all may become appropriate. Using early-stage disease that involves pain over the tendon, immobilization having a boot to get a period associated with time of time can relieve strain about the tendon and lessen the inflammation and also pain. once these signs have resolved, patients tend to be able to be transitioned straight into an orthotic which props up inside aspect with the hindfoot. for patients with increased significant deformity, a much more substantial ankle brace could be necessary. Surgical Treatment In cases involving PTTD which have progressed substantially as well as have failed to improve together with non-surgical treatment, surgery may be required. With Regard To several advanced cases, surgery might be the only option. your foot and also ankle surgeon will determine a fantastic way for you. Overview
Flat feet are a common condition. In infants and toddlers, the longitudinal arch is not developed and flat feet are normal. Most feet are flexible and an arch appears when the person stands on his or her toes. The arch develops in childhood, and by adulthood most people have developed normal arches. Most flat feet usually do not cause pain or other problems. Flat feet may be associated with pronation, a leaning inward of the ankle bones toward the center line. Shoes of children who pronate, when placed side by side, will lean toward each other (after they have been worn long enough for the foot position to remodel their shape). Foot pain, ankle pain or lower leg pain, especially in children, may be a result of flat feet and should be evaluated. Causes The causes of high arched feet can vary greatly. They range from neurological disorders, club foot, injury, and often times there may be no known reason. The idea behind surgery to correct this often painful condition is to bring the arch down and thereby, allow the ground pressure of walking to be more evenly distributed across the entire bottom of the foot. Over time high arch feet can cause severe plantar calluses, ulcerations broken metatarsals and even chronically sprained ankles. Symptoms Symptoms of arch pain and arch strain are found in the underside of the foot, where the foot arch is. Arch pain and arch strain is actually inflammation of the tissue in the midfoot, formed by a band that stretches from the toes to the heel. The arch of the foot is needed for the proper transfer of weight from the heel to toe. When the band forming the arch of the foot or plantar fascia becomes inflamed, it becomes painful to perform simple tasks. Diagnosis Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) can show tendon injury and inflammation but cannot be relied on with 100% accuracy and confidence. The technique and skill of the radiologist in properly positioning the foot with the MRI beam are critical in demonstrating the sometimes obscure findings of tendon injury around the ankle. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is expensive and is not necessary in most cases to diagnose posterior tibial tendon injury. Ultrasound has also been used in some cases to diagnose tendon injury, but this test again is usually not required to make the initial diagnosis. Non Surgical Treatment Relieving the pain caused by plantar fasciitis boils down to two basic needs. Reduce the inflammation. Support and stretch the plantar fascia. If you can accomplish those two goals, you should note pain relief more quickly. Doctors treating plantar fasciitis will recommend the following options for accomplishing this. Rest, Get off your feet as much as possible when the pain is at its worst. If you must walk or run, try to stay off hard, unforgiving surfaces and wear supporting footwear. Use ice on the arch several times a day to help reduce swelling if necessary. Take Tylenol, Advil, or other over-the-counter pain relievers that contain acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen to help lessen the inflammation and ease pain. Stretch your toes, calves, and foot repeatedly throughout the day to keep the plantar fasciia limber. Purchase insoles, inserts, or orthopedic shoes designed to support the arch of the foot and wear them at all times. Purchase splints that will stretch the Achilles tendon as you sleep, helping to lessen morning heel pain. If none of the above helps, your doctor may prescribe regular injections of cortisone to control the pain. As a last resort, your doctor may attempt surgery to repair the plantar fascia. Surgical Treatment In adults, the most common cause of collapse is due to the posterior tibial tendon tear. In such cases, the tendon must be repaired and a second tendon may be added to the posterior tibial tendon for strength and added support. If the foot is found to be very flat, bone realignment procedures or possible bone fusion procedures may be used to realign the foot. If the calf or Achilles tendon are found to be tight, they may be lengthened to allow better motion at the ankle and less arch strain. The forefoot may also be in a poor position and stabilization of the arch may be necessary to increase forefoot contact to the ground. Prevention Foot and ankle injuries are common in sports, especially running, tennis and soccer. But sports enthusiasts can decrease the risk of injury by taking some precautions. Lightly stretch or better yet, do a slow jog for two to three minutes to warm up the muscles. Don't force the stretch with a "bouncing motion." The amount of time spent on the activity should be increased gradually over a period of weeks to build both muscle strength and mobility. Cross training by participating in different activities can help build the muscles. People whose feet pronate or who have low arches should choose shoes that provide support in both the front of the shoe and under the arch. The heel and heel counter (back of the shoe) should be very stable. Those with a stiffer foot or high arches should choose shoes with more cushion and a softer platform. Use sport-specific shoes. Cross training shoes are an overall good choice; however, it is best to use shoes designed for the sport. Stretching Exercises You may start exercising the muscles of your foot right away by gently stretching and strengthening them. Frozen can roll. Roll your bare injured foot back and forth from your heel to your mid-arch over a frozen juice can. Repeat for 3 to 5 minutes. This exercise is particularly helpful if it is done first thing in the morning. Towel stretch. Sit on a hard surface with your injured leg stretched out in front of you. Loop a towel around your toes and the ball of your foot and pull the towel toward your body keeping your leg straight. Hold this position for 15 to 30 seconds and then relax. Repeat 3 times. Standing calf stretch. Stand facing a wall with your hands on the wall at about eye level. Keep your injured leg back with your heel on the floor. Keep the other leg forward with the knee bent. Turn your back foot slightly inward (as if you were pigeon-toed). Slowly lean into the wall until you feel a stretch in the back of your calf. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds. Return to the starting position. Repeat 3 times. Do this exercise several times each day. Seated plantar fascia stretch. Sit in a chair and cross the injured foot over the knee of your other leg. Place your fingers over the base of your toes and pull them back toward your shin until you feel a comfortable stretch in the arch of your foot. Hold 15 seconds and repeat 3 times. Plantar fascia massage. Sit in a chair and cross the injured foot over the knee of your other leg. Place your fingers over the base of the toes of your injured foot and pull your toes toward your shin until you feel a stretch in the arch of your foot. With your other hand, massage the bottom of your foot, moving from the heel toward your toes. Do this for 3 to 5 minutes. Start gently. Press harder on the bottom of your foot as you become able to tolerate more pressure. Overview
Pain in arch of foot, a very common problem for millions of people worldwide who are suffering from this ailment every single day. Whether it's arch pain, heel pain, bunion pain, big toe pain, little toe pain or anything else in between, sore feet are no fun! It's no denying that if your feet aren't right, you feel out of sorts. In this article you will discover the possible causes of the pain in the arches of your feet and common treatments and solutions. Often linked with heel pain, pain in the arch of the foot is very common, particularly in those that spend a lot of time on their feet and those that play sports regularly. Causes Arch pain is most often caused by plantar fasciitis, which can affect the heel, arch, or both. Plantar fasciitis treatment is the same, regardless of the location of foot pain (see above). For persistent plantar fasciitis, an injection with a mixture of a steroid and local anesthetic can be helpful. Fallen arches or flat feet occur when the arches of the feet flatten out (often when standing or walking), causing foot pain and other problems. Flat feet can be treated with shoe inserts (orthotics), shoe adjustments, rest/ice, using a walking cane or brace, or physical therapy. Occasionally, surgery is necessary. Symptoms Typically, the sufferer of plantar fasciitis experiences pain upon rising after sleep, particularly the first step out of bed. Such pain is tightly localized at the bony landmark on the anterior medial tubercle of the calcaneus. In some cases, pain may prevent the athlete from walking in a normal heel-toe gait, causing an irregular walk as means of compensation. Less common areas of pain include the forefoot, Achilles tendon, or subtalar joint. After a brief period of walking, the pain usually subsides, but returns again either with vigorous activity or prolonged standing or walking. On the field, an altered gait or abnormal stride pattern, along with pain during running or jumping activities are tell-tale signs of plantar fasciitis and should be given prompt attention. Further indications of the injury include poor dorsiflexion (lifting the forefoot off the ground) due to a shortened gastroc complex, (muscles of the calf). Crouching in a full squat position with the sole of the foot flat on the ground can be used as a test, as pain will preclude it for the athlete suffering from plantar fasciitis, causing an elevation of the heel due to tension in the gastroc complex. Diagnosis The diagnosis of high arch (cavus) foot deformity or Charcot Marie Tooth disease can be made by an orthopedic surgeon in the office. Evaluation includes a thorough history and physical examination as well as imaging studies such as X-rays. The orthopedic surgeon will look at the overall shape, flexibility, and strength of a patient?s foot and ankle to help determine the best treatment. Nerve tests may occasionally need to be performed to help confirm the diagnosis. Non Surgical Treatment Treatment isn't usually needed for flat feet because the condition doesn't usually cause any significant problems. Aching feet can often be relieved by wearing supportive shoes that fit properly. You may need to wear shoes that are wider than normal. If your feet overpronate, you may need to wear a special insole (an orthotic) inside your shoes to stop your feet rolling inwards when you walk or run. These will usually need to be made and fitted by a podiatrist. Surgical Treatment The procedure involves cutting and shifting the bone, and then performing a tendon transfer. First, the surgeon performs a calcaneal osteotomy, cutting the heel bone and shifting it into the correct position. Second, the surgeon transfers the tendon. Reroute the flexor digitorum to replace the troublesome posterior tibial tendon. Finally, the surgeon typically performs one or more fine-tuning procedures that address the patient?s specific foot deformity. Often, the surgeon will lengthen the Achilles tendon because it is common for the mispositioned foot to cause the Achilles to tighten. Occasionally, to increase the arch, the surgeon performs another osteotomy of one of the bones of the midfoot. Occasionally, to point the foot in a straightforward direction, the surgeon performs another osteotomy of the outside portion of the calcaneus. Stretching Exercises Start in an L-Sit position. (If you?re hips and hamstrings are tight sit up on a box or phone book to be able to achieve a tall back position. You can even sit on a box with your back supported against a wall!) Keeping the legs straight, but not locked, reach both heels out away from your body to ?Flex? the ankles. Try to avoid pulling back with the toes to flex. Keep the toes relaxed and lead from the heel to hinge the foot into the flexed position. Hold the flexed foot and breathe. Take 3-5 breaths and see if you can reach farther through the heel to deepen the flex on each exhale. To transition to the pointed position, begin by pointing the foot to move the ankles as far as possible in the other direction. Once the ankles have reached their endpoint, use the muscles along the sole of the foot to point the toes. Inhale to continue lengthening out through the top of the foot, exhale to deepen the contraction under the sole of the foot to point the toes. Take 3-5 breaths. Then release the toes, and begin reaching out through the heel to hinge the ankle into the flexed position to repeat the exercise. Continue to flex and the point for 5-10 repetitions. Overview
The exact number of people who develop Achilles tendon injury isn't known, simply because many people who have mild tendonitis or perhaps partial tear do not seek medical help. It is assumed being more widespread within men nevertheless with most the recent participation of ladies throughout athletics, the incidence associated with Achilles tendon injury can additionally be growing in this population. Overall, injury for the Achilles tendon is by far most typical within the athlete/active individual. Causes There really are a quantity of elements that may boost the actual likelihood of an Achilles tendon rupture, which throughout turn range from the following. You Are many more likely to rupture your own Achilles tendon throughout sports that will involve bursts involving jumping, pivoting and running, for example football as well as tennis. The Achilles tendon gets much less flexible and fewer in any position to absorb repeated stresses, with regard to illustration of running, when you obtain older. Little tears can easily develop inside the fibres of the tendon plus it might eventually totally tear. Presently there is a tiny risk of an Achilles tendon rupture if you've Achilles tendinopathy (also called Achilles tendinitis). This specific is where your current tendon breaks down, that causes pain and stiffness within your Achilles tendon, each whenever you exercise as well as afterwards. In the actual event that you are generally taking quinolone antibiotics and also corticosteroid medicines, it can improve your risk of an Achilles tendon injury, especially if you are taking these people together. The Actual exact reasons behind this aren't completely understood with present. Symptoms Patients current together with acute posterior ankle/heel pain and may give a reputation “felt like somebody kicked me coming from behind”. Patients could report a new immediate injury, or perhaps report the pain began along with jumping as well as landing on a dorsiflexed foot. It is important to be able to elicit in the history any latest steroid as well as flouroqunolone usage such as local steroid injections, and in addition just regarding any good status for endocrine disorders or perhaps systemic inflammatory conditions. Diagnosis During your physical exam, your healthcare professional will inspect your own lower leg for tenderness and also swelling. Inside many cases, doctors can appear a gap within your tendon if a total rupture features occurred. The Actual doctor might also request you to kneel on the chair or lie on the own abdomen along together with your feet hanging more than the conclusion involving test table. He or perhaps your woman might then squeeze your calf muscle mass to ascertain if your own foot will instantly flex. If it doesn't, you practically certainly have got ruptured your current Achilles tendon. If there's a new question in regards in order to the extent of one's Achilles tendon injury, whether it's entirely or perhaps just partially ruptured, your health-related professional could order a new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. This painless procedure uses radio waves and a strong magnetic field to be able to produce a computerized image with the tissues of one's body. Non Surgical Treatment There is certainly not any definitive protocol pertaining to conservative management. Traditionally, conservative remedy involved immobilisation inside a cast or even boot, with original non-weight bearing. Recently, good results are already achieved with practical bracing and early mobilisation, plus it is typical being right away weight-bearing within an orthotic. Conservative management decreases the chance of complications, for example infection. Generally there can end up being a risk the actual tendon may heal a extended time and a lot more slowly. Surgical Treatment Referral to some surgeon with regard to open as well as percutaneous repair of the tendon is frequently necessary, then an immobilisation period. functional bracing as well as early mobilisation are usually more as well as more widely used postoperatively. There is no definitive protocol for this also it may differ, depending about the surgeon. Operative therapy features a reduced chance of re-rupture compared along with conservative therapy (3.5% versus 12.6%) plus a higher percentage associated with patients returning for the same level of sporting activity (57% versus 29%). The Particular patient's desired practical outcome as well as comorbidities in which affect healing is planning to be elements within the choice to become able to operate. Prevention Prevention centers about appropriate every day Achilles stretching along with pre-activity warm-up. Maintain a steady level of exercise within your sport or even perform up gradually for a person to complete participation if you've been from the activity to acquire a period involving time. Excellent all round muscle conditioning helps maintain a wholesome tendon. Overview About two thirds of all Achilles tendon ruptures occur during sports. Total ruptures are most common in sports with stop-and-go movements, especially ball sports. The majority of patients suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon when stopping suddenly during a fast vigorous movement. Usually the Achilles tendon tears about 5 cm before it inserts into the heel bone. Particularly at risk for a tear are athletes who have already suffered from Achilles tendon problems for some time. Causes Achilles tendon rupture occurs in people that engage in strenuous activity, who are usually sedentary and have weakened tendons, or in people who have had previous chronic injury to their Achilles tendons. Previous injury to the tendon can be caused by overuse, improper stretching habits, worn-out or improperly fitting shoes, or poor biomechanics (flat-feet). The risk of tendon rupture is also increased with the use of quinolone antibiotics (e.g. ciprofloxacin, Levaquin). Symptoms The most common symptom of Achilles tendonitis is a sudden surge of pain in the heel and back of the ankle at the point of injury which is often described as a snapping sensation in the heel. After the injury has occurred, patients then struggle or find it near impossible to bear any weight on the affected leg. Pain can often be most prominent first thing in the morning after the injury has been rested. Swelling and tenderness is also likely to appear in the area. Diagnosis The doctor may look at your walking and observe whether you can stand on tiptoe. She/he may test the tendon using a method called Thompsons test (also known as the calf squeeze test). In this test, you will be asked to lie face down on the examination bench and to bend your knee. The doctor will gently squeeze the calf muscles at the back of your leg, and observe how the ankle moves. If the Achilles tendon is OK, the calf squeeze will make the foot point briefly away from the leg (a movement called plantar flexion). This is quite an accurate test for Achilles tendon rupture. If the diagnosis is uncertain, an ultrasound or MRI scan may help. An Achilles tendon rupture is sometimes difficult to diagnose and can be missed on first assessment. It is important for both doctors and patients to be aware of this and to look carefully for an Achilles tendon rupture if it is suspected. Non Surgical Treatment Once a diagnosis of Achilles tendon rupture has been confirmed, a referral to an orthopaedic specialist for treatment will be recommended. Treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture aims to facilitate the torn ends of the tendon healing back together again. Treatment may be non-surgical (conservative) or surgical. Factors such as the site and extent of the rupture, the time since the rupture occurred and the preferences of the specialist and patient will be considered when deciding which treatment will be undertaken. Some cases of rupture that have not responded well to non-surgical treatment may require surgery at a later stage. The doctor will immobilise the ankle in a cast or a special hinged splint (known as a moon boot) with the foot in a toes-pointed position. The cast or splint will stay in place for 6 - 8 weeks. The cast will be checked and may be changed during this time. Surgical Treatment A completely ruptured Achilles tendon requires surgery and up to 12 weeks in a cast. Partial tears are sometimes are treated with surgery following by a cast. Because the tendon shortens as it heals, a heel lift is used for 6 months or more after the cast comes off. Physical therapy to regain flexibility and then strength are begun as soon as the cast is off. Prevention To help reduce your chance of getting Achilles tendon rupture, take the following steps. Do warm-up exercises before an activity and cool down exercises after an activity. Wear proper footwear. Maintain a healthy weight. Rest if you feel pain during an activity. Change your routine. Switch between high-impact activities and low-impact activities. Strengthen your calf muscle with exercises. |
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