HomeBlogAchilles Tendinopathy: A Treatment Algorithm, New Options
Achilles Tendinopathy: A Treatment Algorithm, New Options
August 14, 2023
As technology in medicine continues to the treatment of this painful condition.
Overview of Achilles Tendinopathy
This condition is commonly understory process in similar injuries. This requires a unique treatment approach.
Under some circumstances, it can also happen in sedentary individuals as a part of a chronic condition. The Achilles tendon will responds to normal weight-bearing activities. The latest studies indicate that a successful treatment algorithm should begin with a conservative approach.
The Conservative Approach
The conservative approach to be greeted with enthusiasm by treatment practitioners.
The conservative approach requires a comprehensive evaluation of the specific condition faced by the patient. This includes specific testing, documentation and evaluation. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, there are conservative treatment options available to heal.
Treating Achilles Tendinopathy
Even during this stage of the algorithm, discretion is needed toms like a decrease in the capacity for handling a normal load. Stiffness and a lack of mobility in the morning may also indicate a need for a treatment adjustment.
The skill of the clinician is an important facto patients.
About the Author
Dr. Lev Kalika is a world-recognized expert in musculoskeletal ultrasonography, with 20+ years of clinical experience in advanced rehabilitative medicine. In addition to operating his clinical practice in Manhattan, he regularly publishes peer-reviewed research on ultrasound-guided therapies and procedures.
Dr. Kalika is an esteemed member of the International Society for Medical Shockwave Treatment ((SMST), and the only clinician in New York certified by the ISMST to perform extracorporeal shockwave therapy. He is also an active member of the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine (AIUM), and has developed his own unique approach to dynamic functional and fascial ultrasonography.
In this instance, an athlete was originally diagnosed with minor quadriceps muscle strain and was treated for four weeks, with unsatisfactory results. When he came to our clinic, the muscle was not healing, and the patients’ muscle tissue had already begun to atrophy.
Upon examination using MSUS, we discovered that he had a full muscle thickness tear that had been overlooked by his previous provider. To mitigate damage and promote healing, surgery should have been performed immediately after the injury occurred. Because of misdiagnosis and inappropriate treatment, the patient now has permanent damage that cannot be corrected.
The most important advantage of Ultrasound over MRI imaging is its ability to zero in on the symptomatic region and obtain imaging, with active participation and feedback from the patient. Using dynamic MSUS, we can see what happens when patients contract their muscles, something that cannot be done with MRI. From a diagnostic perspective, this interaction is invaluable.
Dynamic ultrasonography examination demonstrating the full thickness tear and already occurring muscle atrophy due to misdiagnosis and not referring the patient to proper diagnostic workup
Demonstration of how very small muscle defect is made and revealed to be a complete tear with muscle contraction under diagnostic sonography (not possible with MRI)
Complete tear of rectus femoris with large hematoma (blood)
Separation of muscle ends due to tear elicited on dynamic sonography examination
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