Achilles Tendon Injury hits Nikola Pekovic - The Texas Foot Specialists

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Minnesota Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic recently suffered an injured Achilles tendon. It was later announced that the center will be out indefinitely after undergoing a procedure to repair his Achilles' tendon. It is hoped that he will fully recover from the injury and will return to the team.

What is an Achilles tendon injury?

The Achilles' tendon is a band of tissue that can be found at the back of the ankle and above the heels that allows the foot to extend. The Achilles' tendon is also likely to suffer from and injury especially among amateur and professional athletes. It is important that you consult with a podiatrist for the first signs of a foot injury. Dr. Gregory Mangum and Dr. Bruce Miller are Podiatrists who specialize in helping people with foot pain and other types of foot conditions.

What are the causes of Achilles tendon injury?

Achilles tendon can be injured when a sudden force or stress is applied to it. Activities such as football, tennis, diving, basketball, even running that uses a forceful push can cause an Achilles tendon injury. It can also be damaged by accidents like falling or a deep cut at the back of the ankle. Sometimes an Achilles' tendon become weak making it prone to injuries or rupture. Wearing high heeled shoes is also one of the causes of Achilles tendon injury.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury?

Signs and symptoms may come immediately right after a sporting activity or injury. The following are some of the symptoms of Achilles tendon injury:

  • The foot is difficult to flex
  • Stiffness
  • Tenderness
  • A snapping or popping sound after the accident
  • Swelling
  • Pain when stretching

What are the treatments for an Achilles tendon injury?

An Achilles tendon injury should be treated immediately. Check with your Podiatrist before any treatment. The following conservative treatments will help the injured tendon to heal naturally:

  • To protect your injured Achilles tendon from stretching, using a heel lift is advised.
  • Using anti-inflammatory painkillers such as Ibuprofen and Naproxen will relieve the pain and swelling
  • Elevate your injured foot using a pillow especially when sitting or lying
  • Compressing your injured foot will relieve the swelling
  • Apply an ice compact on your injured foot until the pain disappears
  • Use crutches to avoid putting extra weight on your injured Achilles tendon

At The Texas Foot Specialists located in Sugar Land, Pasadena and Houston we specialize in helping people with suffering from foot problems. To schedule an appointment call Sugar Land (281) 242-4448, Pasadena (281) 991-0600 and Houston (713) 664-6677.