FIX MY FOOT

Chauncey Billups Suffers Torn Achilles Tendon Injury

Los Angeles Clippers basketball player Chauncey Billups suffered a season-ending Achilles tendon tear on February 6th and is expected to miss at least eight months of play.

“I will be back,” Billups told Yahoo! Sports by phone. “I’m not done. I’m not retiring. I will definitely be back. This has been the story of my career, coming back, fighting, scrapping and I will play again.”

(picture by sbnation.com)

Hopefully, he is consulting an experienced foot and ankle surgeon who can treat his Achilles tendon injury.

What exactly is an Achilles tendon tear? A tendon is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. The Achilles tendon runs down the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone.  The Achilles tendon aids us in walking by helping to raise the heel off the ground.

We don’t know exactly how bad Billups’ tear is, but an Achilles tendon rupture is a complete or partial tear that happens when the tendon is stretched beyond its capacity. Jumping or pivoting, or running, can overstretch the tendon and cause a tear. An injury to the tendon can also result from falling or tripping.

In diagnosing an Achilles tendon rupture, a foot and ankle surgeon will ask questions about how and when the injury occurred and whether the patient has previously injured the tendon.

The foot and ankle  doctor will examine the foot and ankle, feeling for a defect in the tendon that suggests a tear. Range of motion and muscle strength will be evaluated. If the Achilles tendon is ruptured, the person will have less strength in pushing down (as on a gas pedal) and difficulty rising on the toes.

Treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture include surgical and non-surgical approaches. The decision of whether to proceed with surgery or non-surgical treatment is based on the severity of the rupture and the person’s health and activity level.

Non-surgical treatment is for minor ruptures and people with medical conditions that prevent them from undergoing surgery. Non-surgical treatment includes a cast, walking boot, or brace to restrict motion and allow the torn tendon to heal.

Surgery often increases the patient’s push-off strength and improves muscle function and movement of the ankle.  Various surgical techniques are available to fix the rupture. The foot and ankle surgeon can say which procedure best for the person.

Remember, any type of foot pain is never normal. A foot and ankle doctor can examine your feet and give you the best course of action.

Please call 626-447-2184 (Arcadia) or 310-551-1711 (Century City) to speak to a foot and ankle specialist about your foot and/or ankle needs.