Question
Hello Dr. Tsatsos, about three months ago, i fractured my ankle.I had been doing regular excercises because i did not know i had the fracture until almost a month after it had happened, after i saw that the pain never went away.According to the doctor that treated me, it was a really small bone that was fractured,im not sure which bone it was, all i know is that he said that that bone is like some sort of "fork" that the achilles tendon glides through. It was too late for a cast, so he recommended a neoprene ankle support. The bone welded about a month ago, but now i seem to have pain in the achilles tendon, and it limits me from regualar activity. Do you know what might be causing this? How can i treat it? thank you

Answer
The bone you are talking is the talus. The fork is called the posterior process. The Achilles tendon does not pass through the fork. Sounds like you have a tight Achilles tendon. Sometimes after injuries joints tighten up---but not usually from a fracture of the posterior process of the talus.
Try gentle stretching for three weeks----if no improvement get a good biomechanical exam from an expert--which are podiatrists or sports orthopedists. They are the only ones who can prescribe a true prescription orthotic. An over the counter insert or other from a shoe store or Chiropractor may work, bit will not be prescription.

Hope this helps
Dr George Tsatsos

Not medical advice--informational purposes only