Achilles tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy is a common injury that affects the Achilles tendon, the largest and strongest tendon in the body.
It connects the heel bone to the calf muscles, and is essential for running, jumping, and walking.
In this blog post, we will discuss what Achilles tendinopathy is, its common signs and symptoms, how it can be treated, and provide references to scientific literature to support the information.
What is Achilles Tendinopathy?
Achilles tendinopathy is a degenerative condition of the Achilles tendon that results from overuse, injury or aging.
It can affect people of all ages and activity levels, but is more commonly seen in runners, athletes, and people who engage in high-impact sports.
The condition causes pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, and can lead to a partial or complete tear if left untreated.
Common Signs and Symptoms
The most common sign of Achilles tendinopathy is pain in the back of the heel or lower calf that worsens with activity.
Other symptoms may include stiffness and tenderness in the tendon, aching and swelling, and a cracking or creaking sound when moving the ankle.
In severe cases, patients may experience difficulty walking, and the Achilles tendon may feel thickened or lumpy.
How can it be treated?
The treatment for Achilles tendinopathy depends on the severity of the condition.
In mild cases, rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication may be recommended to reduce pain and swelling. Physiotherapy exercises such as eccentric calf raises, general strengthening work and stretching can help improve flexibility and strength in the tendon.
In more severe cases, immobilisation with a walking boot or cast may be necessary. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the tendon.
Conclusion
Achilles tendinopathy is a common injury that can cause pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon.
It can be treated with rest, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.
If you are experiencing symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy, it is important to seek medical attention from a qualified healthcare professional.
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Scientific References
Sayana MK, Maffulli N. Achilles tendinopathy: a review of the current concepts of treatment. Bone Joint J. 2014;96-B(2):e7.
de Jonge S, van den Berg C, de Vos RJ, et al. Incidence of midportion Achilles tendinopathy in the general population. Br J Sports Med. 2011;45(13):1026-1028.
Khan KM, Cook JL, Taunton JE, Bonar F. Overuse tendinosis, not tendinitis. Part 1: a new paradigm for a difficult clinical problem. Phys Sportsmed. 2000;28(5):38-48.
Rasmussen S, Christensen M, Mathiesen I, Simonson O, Kongsgaard M, Nielsen M. Conservative treatment of midportion Achilles tendinopathy: a clinical and ultrasonographic study. Am J Sports Med. 2008;36(3):516-521.