Management of Your Achilles Tendinopathy
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Disclaimer[edit | edit source]
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Overview[edit | edit source]
Achilles tendinopathy Is a build-up of over use, which Is caused by the repetition of energy storage and release with excessive compression. Over time, if not treated a tendinopathy can lead to sudden injury and rupture of the tendon. Reduction in the tendon’s flexibility or an increase in the tendons stiffness and increase the risk of this happening.
The Tendon Continuum (Cook and Purdum) outlines the stages of a tendinopathy. These stages can be imagined on line similar to that of a timeline, however your injury can move either way on the scale moving from one stage to another, depending on how much load (use) or unload (don’t use) the tendon, particularly in the initial stages.
Causes[edit | edit source]
Risk factors include:
• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• Rapid changed to load
• Type II Diabetes
• Prolonged steroid use
• Family history of tendinopathy
• Other factors include inappropriate footwear and the elderly population
Symptoms[edit | edit source]
• Pain in the morning
• Sensitivity and pain on the tendon
• Increase pain when loading
• Swelling (less common)
• The tendon can become thicker in parts
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Observation – Looking for loss of muscle (atrophy), swelling, asymmetry and redness of the skin also known as erythema.
Palpitation – Felling the tendon will allow your healthcare professional to see if there is any localised tenderness on the tendon, as well as feel for nodules and thinking of the tendon.
Your health care professional may also want to test you range of motion, strength, and flexibility where there is suspected tendinopathy as there is often reduced on the on the side of the tendinopathy [21][19]. Some movements you may be asked to do include ankle dorsiflexion and heel raises
Tests
• Arc sign
• Royal London Hospital test [20]
Positive tests would suggest tendinopathy
Exercises[edit | edit source]
evidence-based exercises for the specific condition in terminology/language suitable to patients. be mindful that some patients may not have access to a gym or certain equipment
Management[edit | edit source]
short and long-term management of condition. medication. general health and wellbeing e.g. nutrition and sleep.
Prevention[edit | edit source]
evidence-based advice on preventative measures
Resources[edit | edit source]
The following links will lead you to information on specialist services, charities, or organisations that may offer additional help and support.
