Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/103743
On the mend after sports injury While jumping to catch a ball during a summer softball game last year, Dennis Powell of Springfield immediately noticed that something wasn't right. "It felt like someone had swung a two-by-four at my right leg," says Dennis. One of his teammates took him to the Cox South Emergency and Trauma Center, where his right leg was X-rayed and put in a splint. Dennis was referred to Dr. Ken Carpenter, orthopedic surgeon. "Dennis had an Achilles tendon rupture," explains Dr. Carpenter. "The Achilles tendon connects the muscles in the back of your leg to your heel. If it is overstretched it can tear or rupture." Dr. Carpenter says this is a common injury in sports such as softball, because it requires sudden stops and planting of the foot. A week after the injury, Dennis was in surgery to repair his right Achilles tendon. During surgery a small incision is made in the back of the lower leg and the tendon is repaired, explains Dr. Carpenter, who says a full recovery takes about six months. "I recommend waiting six to nine months to return to sports," adds Dr. Carpenter. After surgery Dennis began physical therapy at The Meyer Center. Top: Mark Vandersnick, physical therapist, leads Dennis Powell through an exercise. Bottom: A close-up view of Dennis' injury. Mark Vandersnick, physical therapist, taught Dennis exercises to strengthen his leg muscles and improve his balance and coordination. Dennis is now walking well and working toward playing sports again. "Dennis did an excellent job of actively participating in his care and therapy by asking questions and completing exercises on his own," says Dr. Carpenter. "If Dennis had not had prompt and proper care, then he could have had difficulty with normal walking and severe weakness with pushing off of his foot." At left: Dr. Ken Carpenter reviews orthopedic images in his office inside the Bone and Joint Center. 6