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Dr. Michael Gross, of Active Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Discusses Achilles Tendon issues
Dr. Michael Gross, of Active Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Discusses Achilles Tendon issues
New Jersey Orthopaedic Surgeon discusses Achilles Tendon injuries, which are common among athletes.
Westwood,
NJ,
United States of America
(sardnews.org)
30/12/2013
Each year, many athletes experience an injury to their Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, and is instrumental for everyday activities, like jumping, walking, or running. While this tendon is known to be able to withstand great strain, it is also prone to tendinitis, a condition associated with overuse of the joint.
Dr. Michael Gross, of Active Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine in New Jersey, explains that tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, and often causes swelling, pain, and irritation to the surrounding area. Achilles tendonitis is common among athletes, since the condition results from putting repetitive stress or overusing the tendon. Dr. Gross adds that, if the Achilles tendon is continuously stretched, it may end up rupturing.
According to Dr. Gross, the common signs of Achilles tendinitis include pain or stiffness along the Achilles tendon, swelling that gets worse throughout the day, or pain that becomes more severe following any type of strenuous exercise. If the Achilles tendon tears or ruptures, the patient may feel a sudden "pop" in the back of the heel or calf. Dr. Gross says that, when the tendon is completely torn, a patient will no longer able to point their toes, or lift their heels off the ground.
In order to properly diagnose Achilles tendinitis, Dr. Gross first examines a patient's foot and ankle, checking for areas of tenderness and evaluating the patient's range of motion in the ankle. Dr. Gross says that conducting exams, such as X-rays, will provide him clear images of the bones, and will help rule out other ankle issues or injuries. Dr. Gross says that, while a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exam is not necessary for diagnosing Achilles tendinitis, it will be essential if surgery is needed.
Dr. Gross says that surgery for Achilles tendinitis will only be considered if the pain does not improve after 6 months of nonsurgical treatments. For most patients, nonsurgical treatments, including rest, anti-inflammatory medication, and Cortisone injections, should be enough to treat the pain. Surgery for Achilles tendinitis will either involve removing the damaged part of the Achilles tendon, or surgically lengthening the calf muscles, in order to relieve stress placed on the Achilles tendon. Most patients recover well from the surgery, although complete recovery can take up to 6 months, Dr. Gross says.
Dr. Gross provides a full-range of orthopedic services, and treatments, including sports medicine. Dr. Gross practices at Active Orthopedics & Sports Medicine in New Jersey. Interested parties are encouraged to contact 201.358.0707, or http://www.activeorthopedic.com.
About Dr. Gross
Dr. Michael Gross is a highly respected orthopedic surgeon practicing in New Jersey. Board certified in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Gross also holds a subspecialty certificate in Sports Medicine.
Dr. Gross received his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine in 1983, followed by an internship in general surgery and residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Completing advanced fellowship training in Sports Medicine at UCLA Medical Center, Dr. Gross served on the medical staff of the UCLA Bruins.
Practicing at Active Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Gross can be reached at 201.358.0707 in Westwood, 201.343.2277 in Hackensack or at http://www.activeorthopedic.com.
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About Active Orthopaedics & Sports
Practicing at Active Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Giuffrida can be reached at (201) 358-0707 in Westwood, (201) 343-2277 in Hackensack or at www.activeorthopedic.com
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