Maryland's Health Matters - BWMC - Spring 2017 - 8

A SMARTER,
SMALLER WAY
TO REPAIR
THE ACHILLES
Warm weather
is here, and for
most this puts
a spring in our
step. But if you're
suffering from
ankle pain, your
Lauren
Newnam, DPM

Achilles tendon
might be to blame.
This tough tissue
is the thickest and

strongest tendon in the body, and it
connects the calf and lower leg to the
foot's heel bone. When we walk, jog,
dance or use our legs for pretty much
anything, this tendon is behind the
scenes helping our legs move.
Most Achilles injuries happen when
you push off a foot, like when you jump
or run. This can cause a range of injuries,

ARE YOU
EXPERIENCING
FOOT OR
ANKLE PAIN?
Make an appointment
with Dr. Newnam by
calling 410-553-8170.

from minor swelling and irritation known
as tendinitis to a more serious partial

incisions small, to just 3 centimeters.
Through this small opening, Dr. Newnam
is able to repair torn tendons using
anchors that hold the tendon together,
allowing it to heal safely.
"Using half the incision size as traditional Achilles surgeries enables our
patients to put weight on their recovering
leg much sooner and return to normal
activity levels faster," says Dr. Newnam.

There are two surgery options

"The wound is also less likely to open

tear. In the worst case, the tendon can

available, one of which involves

up, which means patients can recover

rupture and disconnect. Injury can

making large incisions to repair the

with a greater peace of mind."

happen suddenly or over time.

tendon, which is about 15 centimeters

If your injury is severe enough or

Along with Achilles tears and rup-

long. University of Maryland Baltimore

tures, Dr. Newnam surgically repairs

persists through nonsurgical treatment

Washington Medical Center podiatrist

ankle fractures, metatarsal fractures,

like rest, casting or therapy, surgery

and foot and ankle surgeon Lauren

plantar plate deterioration and many

might help you get back on your feet.

Newnam, DPM, prefers to keep her

other conditions. 

8  MARYLAND'S HEALTH MATTERS

 
To learn more about foot and ankle care at UM BWMC, visit mybwmc.org/foot-and-ankle-care.
http://www.mybwmc.org/foot-and-ankle-care
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Maryland's Health Matters - BWMC - Spring 2017
