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Wednesday, 15 April 2015 15:44

Wesley Matthews begins Recovery for Achilles Injury

tendonAfter rupturing his left Achilles tendon on March 5th and undergoing surgical repair on March 11th, Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews spent a few weeks resting in preparation for recovery.

Now, Matthews has moved into strengthening and has recently gone through his first post-surgery workout. While strengthening often begins within eight weeks of surgery for most people, Matthews—who is of great health and athleticism—began making moves within three weeks.

The athlete is projected to return by December if he remains dedicated to rehabilitation.

Achilles tendon injuries can be very painful. If you believe you are having problems with your Achilles tendon, consult with Dr. Ian Klein, D.P.M. of Florida. Dr. Klein can treat your foot and ankle needs.

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a tendon that connects the lower leg muscles and calf to the heel of the foot. It is the strongest tendon in the human body and is essential for making movement possible. Any tendon injuries, however, can create serious difficulty.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury?

There are various types of injuries that can affect the Achilles tendon. The two most common are Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

- Inflammation
- Dull to Severe Pain
- Increased blood flow to the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon

Rupture Symptoms

- Extreme pain and swelling in the foot
- Total immobility

Treatment and Prevention

Achilles tendon injuries are diagnosed by a thorough physical evaluation, which can include an MRI. Treatment involves rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. However, various preventative measures can be taken to avoid these injuries, such as:

- Thorough stretching of the tendon before and after exercise

- Strengthening exercises like calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Saint Petersburg, FL. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.

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