Question
"I had a successful flat foot reconstruction surgery 16 months ago.  Unfortunately, now I am having problems with my other foot.  About three months ago, I had PT for insertional Achilles tendonitis. The pain did resolve.  The past few weeks, I have been having pain along my PTT.  The pain is similar to the pain I had when my surgical foot first started to go south. I am now in PT for the pain along the ptt.  My Achilles tendon/calf is extremely tight,preventing me from getting to neutral.  Is it possible that PT can help prevent my foot from ending up like my surgical foot?" I have been wearing custom orthotics and good shoes for the past few years. I am at a good weight.

Answer
This Chicago Podiatrist, Elmhurst Podiatrist & South Loop Podiatrist says.......

Dear Stacy,

Regarding your flat foot & orthotic question.
If you are able to "get to neutral" with your knee bent-then you may be able to stretch the Gastrocnemius muscle-which ends as the Achilles tendon-up to an inch or a little more. May take up to a year to gain that kind of length and you will need to continue to stretch it. You can start with P.T. It won't hurt. Get the exercises from P.T and do them regularly. A good way to do this is by doing yoga, martial arts,etc.
Also check for limb length difference-which may happen after your surgery and possibly have your orthotics adjusted.
Hope This Helps

Dr George Tsatsos-
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
Runnersdoc.com
BabyFootDoc.com
LaserforToenails.com

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