😲Achilles tendon is the strongest and thickest tendon formed by two calf muscles as shown here gastrocenmius and soleus.
😩The pains are related to tendon attachment, origin or mid portion of the tendon.
👨💼Age- > 30 , <50 years of age on an average
👉🏼Causes –
- Overuse conditions mostly seen in sportsperson- Runners , Sprinters, etc
- Diabetics
- High cholesterol
- Gout
- Inflammatory arthropathies
- Medications- Steroids etc
- Poor footwear choices
- Overweight individuals
👉🏼Symptoms-
- Pain and tender to touch tendon with /without swelling
- Pain with prolonged sitting
- Pain with weight bearing activities
- Pain with first step in the morning
- Pain and poor function is long term can result in depression and low mood
🩻Investigations –
If there is a suspicion of tear, Ultrasound is beneficial to rule out rupture of the tendon and immediate surgery is required
Treatment-
👉🏼Acute cases- ice packs 10-15 mins 2-3/day
👉🏼Modification of activities
👉🏼Loading exercises is the best option to manage this condition ( more info coming soon )
👉🏼Supportive shoes- trainers
👉🏼Shockwave therapy treatment
👉🏼Injections around the tendon are not recommended due to risk of tears ❌
😊Improvement is seen in 12 weeks if not then proceed to see a specialist
Journal of Athletic Training 2020;55(5):438–447 ,doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-356-19
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