The Achilles’ tendon is without a doubt the strongest and thickest tendon in the body.
On 10/21/12 Washington Redskins tight end, Fred Davis, ruptured his Achilles’ tendon against the New York Giants.
With no prior problems or injury to his Achilles’, how could this happen?
Achilles’ tendon ruptures are usually caused by a powerful force on the foot or a fall and are characterized by a “pop” followed by intense pain and inability to bear weight or lift the foot.
The Achilles’ tendon is attached to the muscle responsible for propelling us forward as our toes push off the ground while walking and running. Tears in the Achilles’ are very serious and can take 6 months to a year to heal completely.
In the surgical correction of an Achilles’ tendon tear, it is important to remove all tendon fibers that are too damaged to repair, to bring the torn edges as close together as possible, and strengthen then tendon with a tendon wrap or graft.
The following photos depict the repair, performed by Dr. David Deiboldt of the Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center, of a tendon that snapped while playing tennis. This is one of the possible ways Davis’ tendon may have been repaired.
Click hear to see the photos of the Achilles Tendon tear and repair (WARNING graphic images).
It is very important to make sure that you go to a podiatrist that is experienced in repairing Achilles’ Tendon tears. As stated above you want to make sure that, they perform the procedure correctly, so that it heals properly and you can get back to normal activities as quickly as possible.
The Doctors at the Beltsville Foot and Ankle Center have extensive experience and specialize in repairing torn Achilles’ Tendons. They make sure to repair the tendon properly for you so that you can get back to doing the things you love to do.
If you have an Achilles’ Tendon injury, give us a call today or fill out the online form on the top right of this page, to make an appointment with one of our foot and ankle specialists.
