Achilles Tendon Injuries, Problems & Details
The Achilles tendon is the largest muscle tendon in the human body. It consists of two muscles that we refer to as our “calf muscles”, the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. The majority of Achilles tendon injuries, and problems revolve around the issue that as we age our muscle tendons become more inelastic, our calf muscles, and eventually the Achilles tendon get overly tight. This in turn is the driving force behind the majority of Achilles tendon injuries/pathologies.
Doctor Adams is a Fellowship Trained Foot and Ankle Surgeon who has successfully completed many years of surgical training in all aspects of Achilles tendon surgery. He is well versed in the established traditional methods as well as the latest and most innovative techniques. He listens to his patients and will always go the extra mile to deliver the best results possible.
If you are searching for a Foot and Ankle Surgeon who can provide you with quality relief from your Achilles tendon injury/problem coupled with high standards of patient safety and care, Central Indiana & Greenfield area Foot and Ankle Surgeon Doctor Wil Adams will be happy to consult with you.
Dr. Adams is firm believer in the idea that patient’s know their bodies best. Every treatment plan needs to be uniquely tailored to each individual patient’s needs.
If you have an Achilles tendon issue and have questions or concerns, please feel free to call Doctor Adams at (317) 477-6683 or schedule a consultation online.
Dr. Adams is a born and raised Hoosier. He attended Indiana University-Bloomington where he met his wife Allison. He got degrees in Nutrition Science, Biology and Chemistry. Dr. Adams then got his doctorate from Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine where he was a Dean’s List student. He then came back to Indianapolis to do his residency surgical training and was Chief resident. He stayed in Indianapolis and completed a specialty Fellowship focusing on Adult and Pediatric Reconstruction. During his Fellowship Dr. Adams helped launch the first foot and ankle dedicated surgical practice at Hancock Orthopedics, and has been employed there since.
Dr. Adams enjoys teaching as he helps educate and train the surgical residents at Community Health Network, and the Fellows at American Health Network. He actively participates in research and editing for national peer reviewed journals.
He is also a consultant for orthopedic device companies where he is afforded the opportunity to help train and design with other surgeons across the country.
Dr. Adams has special interests in the following areas:
Dr. Adams is a father of two and resides with his family in Fishers. He enjoys the short commute to Hancock Health in Greenfield.
Achilles Tendinosis (Degenerative Tendinopathy)
Tendinosis is very similar to Achilles tendinitis – the main difference is that tendinitis indicates the Achilles tendon has not been inflamed for more than 6-8 weeks, generally speaking. Achilles tendinosis occurs when Achilles tendinitis has existed for 8+ weeks and is resistant to improvement or resolution.
*Your results will vary
Acute Rupture Of Achilles
Achilles ruptures are common in high level athletes, and “weekend warriors”. They can happen in any individual however. In general, individuals that suffer from chronically tight calf muscles, or Haglund’s deformity are also at risk for eventual rupture if left untreated. It is an injury that can be treated both surgically, and conservatively. It has a very particular recovery regardless of which option of care is chosen. Medical literature and studies have shown the re-rupture rate in patients treated conservatively is higher. High level athletes or very active individuals tend to do better with surgical repair.
Are you an Indianapolis resident seeking a foot & ankle surgeon?
Dr. Wil Adams is close and worth the short drive.
Request ConsultationChronic Tear/Rupture of Achilles
A chronic tear of the Achilles is very different than an acute tear/rupture. In an acute tear/rupture people often have the story that they stepped awkwardly, or went to push off during a sporting event, and they heard/felt a “pop”. Again, this is different than a chronic Achilles injury. In the chronic injury, patients will generally have months of tightness causing Achilles tendinitis, and pain. When left untreated patients can go on to develop a longitudinal split tear of the tendon, or a partial rupture. This is not caused by a quick, forceful event, but rather a low, but steady inflammatory event over months that eventually leads to the tendon becoming moderately to severely damaged. Chronic inflammation left untreated cause tissue degeneration.
Insertional Achilles Tendinitis
Insertional tendinitis can be very similar to a Haglund’s Deformity, or “Pump bump”. The main difference is that in a true Haglund’s deformity the back of the heel bone over time becomes enlarged and develops chronic pain. Insertional Achilles tendinitis can also be very painful, but is more of an acute event, and typically bone enlargement is not yet present. When left untreated for long periods of time Achilles tendinitis can go on to become a Haglund’s deformity, or an acute rupture.
Haglund’s Deformity (“Pump bump”)
First described by Dr. Patrick Haglund in 1927. He described the phenomenon that occurs when the tension at the attachment site at the back of the heel bone over the course of many months and years eventually causes the bone to enlarge itself. Due to the bony enlargement or “pump bump” that occurs, pain follows. The interface between the bone and Achilles tendon harbors lots of inflammation, and when conservative care fails can necessitate surgery. An important aspect of care is to eliminate tension in the Achilles.
