Two Locations
Jackson,MI
100 S. Cooper St.
49201
Ann Arbor,MI
4335 Jackson Rd
48103
CALL 517-879-4241
SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE
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Achilles Tendon Conditions
Achilles Tendinitis and Achilles Tendinosis
Two common disorders that occur in the heel cord are Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendonosis.
Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This inflammation is typically short-lived. Over time, if not resolved, the condition may progress to a degeneration of the tendon (Achilles tendonosis), in which the tendon loses its organized structure and is likely to develop microscopic tears. Sometimes the degeneration involves the site where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. In rare cases, chronic degeneration with or without pain may result in rupture of the tendon.
Causes
As "overuse" disorders, Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis are usually caused by a sudden increase of a repetitive activity involving the Achilles tendon. Such activity puts too much stress on the tendon too quickly, leading to micro-injury of the tendon fibers. Due to this ongoing stress on the tendon, the body is unable to repair the injured tissue. The structure of the tendon is then altered, resulting in continued pain.
Athletes are at high risk for developing disorders of the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis are also common in individuals whose work puts stress on their ankles and feet, such as laborers, as well as in “weekend warriors”—those who are less conditioned and participate in athletics only on weekends or infrequently.
In addition, people with excessive pronation (flattening of the arch) have a tendency to develop Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis due to the greater demands placed on the tendon when walking. If these individuals wear shoes without adequate stability, their overpronation could further aggravate the Achilles tendon.
Conservative Treatment Options: Click HERE for CURRENT PATIENTS
Advance Treatment Options
Aminofix injections
For more than a century, Amniotic membrane has been used in medical treatments to help promote a healthy recovery after injuries sustained to every part of the body. Today, AmnioFix – a unique human amniotic membrane graft – can give relief to patients with soft tissue and tendon injuries when other injections and treatment options have failed.
AmnioFix injections are a revolutionary procedure used to treat patients suffering from a range of foot conditions. The injections repair damaged tissue and promote healing to provide patients with relief from pain and discomfort.
To learn more about this product go to: Click Here
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injection
PRP has been used for over a decade in orthopedic surgery. PRP is a concentration of the body’s native platelets (which contain growth factors and complimentary proteins) that can assist the healing process. PRP is made by taking a patient’s blood and spinning it in a centrifuge (a centrifuge rotates an object rapidly). Blood components (red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets) are separated based on their density. Platelets are lighter in weight than other components of our blood. When the patient’s blood is spun in a centrifuge, the platelets are easily separated, without being damaged. To learn more about this procedure Click here
Minimally Invasive Surgical Options- Tenex
We use ultrasound diagnostics to pinpoint the area of scar tissue and degeneration in the tendon. After numbing the area, a process similar to the pokes a dentist makes to numb your teeth, we insert the TX MicroTip. No general anesthetic is needed so you stay awake through the process, and the incision is tiny. Use ultrasound to agitate the tip at a rate faster than the speed of sound. Using the on-screen image, we guide it exactly to the designated area and the scarred or damaged part of the tendon is gently broken down and removed, without affecting the surrounding tissue. The procedure also stimulates cell action to speed up the healing process.
Following the procedure, no stitches are needed—just a small bandage to protect the incision. Because you were not sedated, you might even be able to drive yourself home
Surgical Options- Partial Tear & Rupture
Debridement w/ wo graft application
After years of overuse large amount of scar tissue may occur. After exhausting conservative therapy an MRI may show partial tears of enlargement of the Achilles. Due to the amount of scar tissue present removal with direct repair is essential to reduce the pain and risk of rupture. This is an out-patient under general anesthesia and nerve block.