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Achilles Tendinopathy, Sports Medicine

Craig C. Young, MD and Mark W. Niedfeldt, MD Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon that causes pain in the posterior calf and heel.

  • Synonym(s): Achilles tendinosis; Achilles tendinopathy

EPIDEMIOLOGY

  • Acco...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Pain that initially subsides with use but returns with continued use or after use suggests an overuse injury.

  • Morning stiffness is a hallmark of Achilles tendinitis.

  • Training errors are...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Relative rest: Especially eliminate sprinting, speed work, and running hills or stairs. Overall decrease in running intensity, duration, and/or frequency.

  • Ice after activity; ...

ONGOING CARE

  • Gradual return to activity: gradual increase in running intensity, duration, and/or frequency. General rule of thumb is no >10% increase per week.

  • New shoes: Avoid shoes with high heel ...

REFERENCES

1
McAuliffe S, McCreesh K, Culloty F, et al. Can ultrasound imaging predict the development of Achilles and patellar tendinopathy? A systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. ...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Gerdesmeyer L, Mittermayr R, Fuerst M, et al. Current evidence of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in chronic Achilles tendinopathy. Int J Surg.  2015;24(Pt B):154–159.

  • Habets ...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Because of the high stresses placed on the Achilles tendon with weight-bearing activities and the risk of rupture, corticosteroid injection into the Achilles tendon should be avoided.

  • C...

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