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Achilles tendinitis

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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 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]

It commonly occurs as a result of overuse such as running,[2][3] but also occurs due to injury. Other risk factors include trauma, 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]

There are several simple actions that individuals can take to prevent or reduce tendinitis. Though commonly used, some of these have limited or no scientific evidence to support them, namely pre-exercise stretching. Strengthening calf muscles, avoiding over-training, and selecting more appropriate footwear are more well-regarded options.[4][5][6] Running mechanics can be improved with simple exercises that will help runners avoid Achilles injury.[7] Treatment typically involves rest, ice, non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDs), and physical therapy.[1][2] In those whose symptoms last more than six months despite other treatments, surgery may be considered.[2] Achilles tendinitis is relatively common.[2]

Signs and symptoms

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Symptoms can vary from an ache or pain and swelling in the local area of one or both ankles, or a burning that surrounds the whole joint. With this condition, the pain is usually worse during and after activity, and the tendon and joint area can become stiff the following day, as swelling impinges on the movement of the tendon.

Achilles tendon injuries can be separated into insertional tendinopathy (20%–25% of the injuries), midportion tendinopathy (55%–65%), and proximal musculotendinous junction (9%–25%) injuries, according to the location of pain.[8]

Cause

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Demonstration of the right foot in pronation, neutral and supinated subtalar joint placements. Over-pronation (excessive pronation) occurs when the ankle begins to roll inward by more than 5 degrees, demonstrated with the arrows.
 
Walking gait cycle starting with the left leg demonstrated. The loading cycle is where foot pronation naturally occurs.

Achilles tendinitis is a common injury, particularly in sports that involve lunging and jumping, occurs both laterally and bilaterally, and is often induced in a single ankle by trauma. It is also a known side effect of fluoroquinolone antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin, as are other types of tendinitis.[9]

Achilles tendinitis is thought to have physiological, mechanical, or extrinsic (i.e. footwear or training) causes. The Achilles tendon has a generally poor blood supply throughout its length, as measured by the number of vessels per cross-sectional area. Blood is supplied via the synovial sheaths that surround it.[10] This lack of blood supply can lead to the degradation of collagen fibers and inflammation.[11] Tightness in the calf muscles has also been known to be involved in the onset of Achilles tendinitis.[12]

During the loading phase of the running and walking cycle, the ankle and foot naturally pronate and supinate by approximately 5 degrees.[13] Excessive pronation of the foot (over 5 degrees) in the subtalar joint is a type of mechanical mechanism that can lead to tendinitis.[12][13]

An overuse injury refers to repeated stress and strain, which is likely the case in endurance runners.[14][15] Overuse can simply mean an increase in running, jumping or plyometric exercise intensity too soon. Another consideration would be the use of improper or worn-down footwear, which lack the necessary support to maintain the foot in the natural/normal pronation.[15]

Pathophysiology

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Because the Achilles tendon does not have good blood supply, injuries can be slow to heal. The tendon receives nutrients from the tendon sheath or paratendon. When an injury occurs to the tendon, cells from surrounding structures migrate into the tendon to assist in repair. Some of these cells come from blood vessels that enter the tendon to provide direct blood flow to increase healing. With the blood vessels come nerve fibers. Researchers including Alfredson and his team in Sweden believe these nerve fibers to be the cause of the pain - they injected local anaesthetic around the vessels and this decreased significantly the pain in the Achilles tendon.[16]

Diagnosis

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Calcification deposits forming an enthesophyte within the Achilles tendon at its calcaneal insertion. The Achilles tendon is wider than normal, further suggesting inflammation.

Achilles tendinitis is usually diagnosed from a medical history, and physical examination of the tendon. Projectional radiography shows calcification deposits within the tendon at its calcaneal insertion in approximately 60 percent of cases.[17] Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can determine the extent of tendon degeneration, and may show differential diagnoses such as bursitis.[17]

Prevention

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This photo demonstrates a calf raise exercise that can be performed to strengthen two of the major ankle plantar flexor muscles, the gastrocnemius and the soleus. This exercise can be performed with minimal to no equipment. A step can be added under the foot to enhance range of motion and weights can be added to increase the resistance [18]

Performing consistent physical activity will improve the elasticity and strength of the tendon, which will assist in resisting the forces that are applied.[19]

Stretching before beginning an exercise session is often recommended, however evidence to support this practice is limited.[4][5] Prevention of recurrence includes following appropriate exercise habits and wearing low-heeled shoes. In the case of incorrect foot alignment, orthotics can be used to properly position the feet.[19] Footwear that is specialized to provide shock-absorption can be utilized to defend the longevity of the tendon.[20] Achilles tendon injuries can be the result of exceeding the tendon's capabilities for loading, therefore it is important to gradually adapt to exercise if someone is inexperienced, sedentary, or is an athlete who is not progressing at a steady rate.[20]

Eccentric strengthening exercises of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles are utilized to improve the tensile strength of the tendon and lengthen the musculotendinous junction, decreasing the amount of strain experienced with ankle joint movements.[21] This eccentric training method is especially important for individuals with chronic Achilles tendinosis which is classified as the degeneration of collagen fibers.[20]

Treatment

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Treatment typically involves rest, ice, non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDs), and physical therapy.[1][2] A heel lift[22] or orthotics [23] may also be helpful,[3][2] but evidence for either is limited. Foam rolling may increase range of motion, but there is only weak evidence for the direct treatment of stiffness.[24] Other treatments include:

  • An eccentric exercise routine designed to strengthen the tendon.
  • Application of a boot or cast.

Injections

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The evidence to support injection therapies is poor.[25]

Procedures

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Tentative evidence supports the use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy.[28]

Epidemiology

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The prevalence of Achilles tendinitis varies among different ages and groups of people. Achilles tendinitis is most commonly found in individuals aged 30–40[29] Runners are susceptible,[29] as well as anyone participating in sports, and men aged 30–39.[30]

Risk factors include participating in a sport or activity that involves running, jumping, bounding, and change of speed. Although Achilles tendinitis is mostly likely to occur in runners, it also is more likely in participants in basketball, volleyball, dancing, gymnastics and other athletic activities.[29] Other risk factors include gender, age, improper stretching, and overuse.[31] Another risk factor is any congenital condition in which an individual's legs rotate abnormally, which in turn causes the lower extremities to overstretch and contract; this puts stress on the Achilles tendon and will eventually cause Achilles tendinitis.[31]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k 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 l m 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 f "Achilles Tendinitis". MSD Manual Professional Edition. March 2018. Retrieved 27 June 2018.
  4. ^ a b 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. ^ a b 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.
  7. ^ "Avoid Achilles injuries by adding these three exercises to your routine". 3 December 2019.
  8. ^ Kvist, M (1991). "Achilles tendon injuries in athletes". Ann Chir Gynaecol. 80 (2): 188–201. PMID 1897886.
  9. ^ "FDA orders 'black box' label on some antibiotics". CNN. 8 July 2008. Retrieved 8 July 2008.
  10. ^ Kader, D.; Saxena, A.; Movin, T.; Maffulli, N. (2002-08-01). "Achilles tendinopathy: some aspects of basic science and clinical management". British Journal of Sports Medicine. 36 (4): 239–249. doi:10.1136/bjsm.36.4.239. ISSN 0306-3674. PMC 1724537. PMID 12145112.
  11. ^ Fenwick S. A.; Hazleman B. L.; Riley G. P. (2002). "The vasculature and its role in the damaged and healing tendon". Arthritis Research. 4 (4): 252–260. doi:10.1186/ar416. PMC 128932. PMID 12106496.
  12. ^ a b Maffulli N.; Sharma P.; Luscombe K. L. (2004). "Achilles tendinopathy: aetiology and management". Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine. 97 (10): 472–476. doi:10.1177/0141076809701004. PMC 1079614. PMID 15459257.
  13. ^ a b Hintermann B., Nigg B. M. (1998). "Pronation in runners". Sports Medicine. 26 (3): 169–176. doi:10.2165/00007256-199826030-00003. PMID 9802173. S2CID 24812917.
  14. ^ Kannus P (1997). "Etiology and pathophysiology of chronic tendon disorders in sports". Scandinavian Journal of Sports Medicine. 7 (2): 78–85. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0838.1997.tb00123.x. PMID 9211608. S2CID 664841.
  15. ^ a b McCrory J. L.; Martin D. F.; Lowery R. B.; Cannon D. W.; Curl W. W.; Read Jr H. M.; Hunter D.M.; Craven T.; Messier S. P. (1999). "Etiologic factors associated with Achilles tendinitis in runners". Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise. 31 (10): 1374–1381. doi:10.1097/00005768-199910000-00003. PMID 10527307. S2CID 25204643.
  16. ^ Alfredson, H.; Ohberg, L.; Forsgren, S. (Sep 2003). "Is vasculo-neural ingrowth the cause of pain in chronic Achilles tendinosis? An investigation using ultrasonography and colour Doppler, immunohistochemistry, and diagnostic injections". Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 11 (5): 334–8. doi:10.1007/s00167-003-0391-6. PMID 14520512. S2CID 12264939.
  17. ^ a b "Insertional Achilles Tendinitis". American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society. Retrieved 2017-01-17.
  18. ^ Floyd, R.T. (2009). Manual of Structural Kinesiology. New York, NY: McGraw Hill
  19. ^ a b Hess G.W. (2009). "Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Review of Etiology, Population, Anatomy, Risk Factors, and Injury Prevention". Foot & Ankle Specialist. 3 (1): 29–32. doi:10.1177/1938640009355191. PMID 20400437. S2CID 19237310.
  20. ^ a b c Alfredson H., Lorentzon R. (2012). "Chronic Achilles Tendinosis: Recommendations for Treatment and Prevention". Sports Medicine. 29 (2): 135–146. doi:10.2165/00007256-200029020-00005. PMID 10701715. S2CID 36957036.
  21. ^ G T Allison, C Purdam. Eccentric loading for Achilles tendinopathy — strengthening or stretching? Br J Sports Med 2009;43:276-279
  22. ^ Munteanu, Shannon (3 November 2014). "Customised foot orthoses for Achilles tendinopathy RCT: responding to the critics". British Journal of Sports Medicine.
  23. ^ Munteanu, Shannon (2015). "Effectiveness of customised foot orthoses for Achilles tendinopathy: a randomised controlled trial". British Journal of Sports Medicine. 49 (15): 989–994. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2014-093845. PMID 25246441. S2CID 5588570.
  24. ^ Baumgart, Christian (2019). "Foam Rolling of the Calf and Anterior Thigh: Biomechanical Loads and Acute Effects on Vertical Jump Height and Muscle Stiffness". Sports. 7 (1): 27. doi:10.3390/sports7010027. PMC 6359537. PMID 30669477.
  25. ^ a b Kearney, RS; Parsons, N; Metcalfe, D; Costa, ML (26 May 2015). "Injection therapies for Achilles tendinopathy" (PDF). The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (5): CD010960. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD010960.pub2. PMID 26009861.
  26. ^ "JBJS | Limited Evidence Supports the Effectiveness of Autologous Blood Injections for Chronic Tendinopathies". jbjs.org. 2012. Archived from the original on March 29, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2012.
  27. ^ de Vos RJ, van Veldhoven PL, Moen MH, Weir A, Tol JL, Maffulli N (2012). "Autologous growth factor injections in chronic tendinopathy: a systematic review". bmb.oxfordjournals.org. Archived from the original on April 15, 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2012.
  28. ^ Korakakis, V; Whiteley, R; Tzavara, A; Malliaropoulos, N (March 2018). "The effectiveness of extracorporeal shockwave therapy in common lower limb conditions: a systematic review including quantification of patient-rated pain reduction". British Journal of Sports Medicine. 52 (6): 387–407. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2016-097347. PMID 28954794.
  29. ^ a b c Leach R. E.; James S.; Wasilewski S. (1981). "Achilles tendinitis". The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 9 (2): 93–98. doi:10.1177/036354658100900204. PMID 7223927. S2CID 10111816.
  30. ^ Leppilant J.; Puranen J.; Orava S. (1996). "Incidence of Achilles Tendon Injury". Acta Orthopaedica. 67 (3): 277–79. doi:10.3109/17453679608994688. PMID 8686468.
  31. ^ a b Kainberger, F; Fialka, V; Breitenseher, M; Kritz, H; Baldt, M; Czerny, C; Imhof, H (1996). "Differential diagnosis of diseases of the Achilles tendon. A clinico-sonographic concept". Der Radiologe. 36 (1): 38–46. doi:10.1007/s001170050037. PMID 8820370. S2CID 25971164.
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