Diabetic foot ulcers helped by Achilles tendon surgery - Brief Article

AORN Journal, Jan, 2002

Researchers have discovered that surgically lengthening the Achilles tendon or an attached calf muscle can decrease pressure on the ball of the foot and provide relief to patients with chronic diabetic foot ulcers, according to an Oct 12, 2001, news release from the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. A major complication of diabetes, foot ulcers occur from neuropathy that impairs nerve sensation, causing patients with diabetes to lose feeling in their feet. Even small wounds or cuts on the feet can progress to serious foot ulcers if patients with diabetes are negligent about foot care. Those with foot ulcers eventually could be at risk for serious infection, amputation, and possible loss of life.

According to the release, diabetes increases blood sugar levels, which affects collagen fibers in the Achilles tendon and causes it to tighten. The tendon is attached to the back of the heel and is pulled by two muscles in the calf. A tight Achilles tendon pulls harder on the heel bone and exerts more pressure on the bottom of the foot, producing ulcer-induced stress. Lengthening the tendon or an attached calf muscle reduces the pressure on the ball of the foot to help prevent and treat diabetic foot ulcers. This procedure also is effective for managing other diabetes-related foot problems, such as adult-onset flatfoot.

Achilles Tendon Surgery Heals Diabetic Foot Ulcers (news release, Chicago: American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, Oct 12, 2001) http://www.acfas.org/prdiabetic ftulcers.html (accessed 29 Nov 2001).