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Category Archives: Foot & Ankle

Jacksonville Orthopedic Surgeon Earns Award for Invention to Repair Achilles Tendon

Posted on June 19, 2024 - 5:41 pm by
Jorge Acevedo Headshot

Dr. Jorge Acevedo wins prestigious Edison Award, recognized for innovative implant and technique

JACKSONVILLE, FL (June 19, 2024) – Not too many doctors can say they have invented something to help their patients. However, Dr. Jorge Acevedo, a nationally recognized Foot and Ankle surgery expert with Southeast Orthopedic Specialists, cannot only say he helped invent an important advance in orthopedic care, but also won an award for it.

 

Recently, the Jacksonville orthopedic surgeon earned the prestigious Edison Award – often referred to as the “Oscars of Innovation.” Just like the Olympics, winners in various categories are given a gold, silver, or bronze award. Dr. Acevedo and New York-based Dr. James McWilliam won the gold award, recognized for developing the Arthrex MIS FiberTak Achilles SpeedBridge Repair Implant System. This innovative system is used to repair the Achilles tendon, the large tendon at the back of the heel.

 

“We are proud to support Dr. Acevedo and Dr. McWilliam in their quest to revolutionize Achilles tendon repair,” said a spokesperson for Arthrex, Inc. “Their innovative implant system exemplifies our commitment to empowering surgeons with cutting-edge technology that improves patient outcomes.”

 

The Achilles tendon is comprised of strong tissues that connect the calf muscle to the heel. In some instances, the tendon may get damaged through overuse, physical activity or repeated stress and may require surgery.

 

With traditional Achilles tendon surgery, surgeons may need to open the back of the heel to repair the tendon. There may be large incisions, potential damage to surrounding tissue, major scarring and recovery time could be extensive.

 

Dr. Acevedo’s invention involves a minimally invasive procedure and specialized technique that minimizes damage to surrounding tissue. A series of innovative instruments and implants are used. Small incisions are made in the back of the heel and strong sutures are placed to hold the tendon against the heel bone.

MIS Achilles Blue Wire Illustration

As the area heals, patients are left with minimal scarring and a faster recovery time compared to traditional surgery.

“We are honored to receive the Thomas Edison Gold Award for our work in advancing orthopedic care,” said Dr. Acevedo. “Our goal was to develop a solution that not only effectively addresses Achilles tendon pathology but also prioritizes patient comfort and recovery.”

 

For more information, please visit www.se-ortho.com. Click “here” to view an animation of the Arthrex system.

 

About Southeast Orthopedic Specialists

Established in 2001, Southeast Orthopedic Specialists is a regional leader in musculoskeletal care. Southeast Orthopedic Specialists was founded on the principle of providing high-quality, comprehensive care in the Northeast Florida region. The entire spectrum of orthopedic care is provided to patients, including orthopedic surgery, spine care, physiatry, pain management, chiropractic, podiatry and physical therapy. Physicians at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists are leading experts in their field with decades of experience, including the completion of multiple fellowships and groundbreaking research. Visit www.se-ortho.com to learn more.

 

About Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)

Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo) is the national leader of integrated musculoskeletal value-based health outcomes management, practice management and health system service line management. This includes comprehensive expertise across all MSK specialties, including orthopedics, spine, neurosurgery, hand, pain management, rehabilitation and neurology. HOPCo’s integrated care, analytics, and facilities development and management platforms have proven to increase the quality of patient care while reliably reducing the total cost of care across the care continuum for practices, health systems and payors alike. HOPCo’s affiliated payors, practices, and health systems successfully participate in highly efficient value-based contracting (bundled payments, chronic episodes of care initiatives, population health programs, and other advanced risk-based arrangements) utilizing HOPCo’s proprietary platforms, IT solutions, integrated analytics, and evidence-based comprehensive care pathways. Visit https://hopco.com to learn more.

 

For media inquiries, please contact:

 

David Lozano
Senior Director of Communications
Healthcare Outcomes Performance Company (HOPCo)
18444 N. 25th Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85023
623.241.8779
David.lozano@hopco.com

Everything You Need to Know About Plantar Fasciitis

Posted on August 3, 2022 - 5:39 pm by

Plantar fasciitis is the most common diagnosis for those experiencing heel pain, with almost 2 million people seeking treatment for this condition each year according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. It involves inflammation of a thick band of tissue that runs through the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. A stabbing pain is usually the most defining symptom for those that have plantar fasciitis.

What are the Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis?

Those who experience plantar fasciitis complain of a stabbing pain in the bottom of their foot near the heel. Typically, the pain is most noticeable when the first steps are taken when you first wake up.

  • Pain on the bottom of the foot, specifically near the heel
  • Pain in your first steps of the day, after long rest periods or long-standing periods
  • Significant pain after spending a long time on your feet

What is the Cause Behind Plantar Fasciitis?

At the bottom of the foot runs a long, thin ligament called the plantar fascia. It is meant to absorb the high stress and strains that are placed on the feet. However, if there is too much pressure, tissues can be torn. Irritation and inflammation are the responses to the repeated stretching and tearing of the facia which then causes heel pain.

Who is at Higher Risk for Plantar Fasciitis?

  • Those with flat feet or high arches
  • People who have tight Achilles tendons
  • Those who wear high-heeled shoes often
  • Anyone who spends multiple hours on their feet in a day
  • Typically, 40 to 60-year-olds

Ways to Treat Plantar Fasciitis

Even though there are no clinically proven ways to cure plantar fasciitis, there are a plethora of ways to curb your discomfort.

  • Pain Relievers: to relieve the inflammation and pain associated with plantar fasciitis, pain relievers such as ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can be taken
  • Conservative Treatment: most people with plantar fasciitis typically recover with conservative methods such as icing the area, stretching and modifying any activities that cause discomfort
  • Physical Therapy: By working with a Physical Therapist, you can stretch the plantar fascia and Achilles Tendon. Another technique that a Physical Therapist might use to ease plantar fasciitis pain is athletic taping. This gives support to the bottom of the foot and has been proven very effective.
  • Night Splints: a night splint keeps the ankle in a neutral position while you are sleeping which promotes stretching the lower leg muscles and plantar fascia
  • Injections: If conservative methods are unsuccessful, a doctor can inject anti-inflammatory agents into the tender area. This doesn’t heal your heel, but it does mask the pain. Platelet-rich plasma can also be injected utilizing your own blood. This injection promotes tissue healing to the afflicted area.

If you are experiencing heel or foot pain or discomfort, Dr. Jorge Acevedo at Southeast Orthopedic Specialists is dedicated to finding the right solution for you.  Schedule your appointment online today!

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