Achilles tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis
Other namesAchilles tendinopathy, Achilles tendonitis, Achilles tenosynovitis
Drawing of Achilles tendinitis with the affected part highlighted in red
SpecialtyRheumatology
SymptomsPain, swelling around the affected tendon[1]
Usual onsetGradual[1]
DurationMonths[2]
TypesNoninsertional, insertional[2]
CausesOveruse[2]
Risk factorsTrauma, lifestyle that includes little exercise, high-heel shoes, rheumatoid arthritis, medications of the fluoroquinolone or steroid class[1]
Diagnostic methodBased on symptoms and examination[3]
Differential diagnosisAchilles tendon rupture[3]
TreatmentRest, ice, non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDs), physical therapy[1][2]
FrequencyCommon[2]

Achilles tendinitis, also known as Achilles tendinopathy, is soreness of the Achilles tendon. It is accompanied by alterations in the tendon's structure and mechanical properties.[2] The most common symptoms are pain and swelling around the back of the ankle.[1] The pain is typically worse at the start of exercise and decreases thereafter.[3] Stiffness of the ankle may also be present.[2] Onset is generally gradual.[1]

Achilles tendinopathy is idiopathic, meaning the cause is not well understood. Theories of causation include overuse such as running,[2][3] a lifestyle that includes little exercise, high-heel shoes, rheumatoid arthritis, and medications of the fluoroquinolone or steroid class.[1] Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms and examination.[3]

Proposed interventions to treat tendinopathy have limited or no scientific evidence to support them, such as pre-exercise stretching, strengthening calf muscles, avoiding over-training, adjustment of running mechanics, and selection of footwear.[4][5][6] Treatment is symptomatic and non-specific such as ice, non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDs), and physical therapy.[1][2] People who are not satisfied with symptomatic treatment may be offered surgery. [2] Achilles tendinitis is relatively common.[2]

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Hubbard, MJ; Hildebrand, BA; Battafarano, MM; Battafarano, DF (June 2018). "Common Soft Tissue Musculoskeletal Pain Disorders". Primary Care. 45 (2): 289–303. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2018.02.006. PMID 29759125. S2CID 46886582.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Silbernagel, Karin (2020). "Current Clinical Concepts: Conservative Management of Achilles Tendinopathy". Journal of Athletic Training. 55 (5): 0–0000. doi:10.4085/1062-6050-356-19. PMC 7249277. PMID 32267723.
  3. ^ a b c d e "Achilles Tendinitis". MSD Manual Professional Edition. March 2018. Retrieved 27 June 2018.
  4. ^ Park, DY; Chou, L (December 2006). "Stretching for prevention of Achilles tendon injuries: a review of the literature". Foot & Ankle International. 27 (12): 1086–95. doi:10.1177/107110070602701215. PMID 17207437. S2CID 8233009.
  5. ^ Peters, JA; Zwerver, J; Diercks, RL; Elferink-Gemser, MT; van den Akker-Scheek, I (March 2016). "Preventive interventions for tendinopathy: A systematic review". Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport. 19 (3): 205–211. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2015.03.008. PMID 25981200.
  6. ^ "Achilles tendinitis - Symptoms and causes". Mayo Clinic. Retrieved 27 June 2018.