The Achilles tendon can also be called the calcaneal tendon. This tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in the human body. Tendons are flexible and to allow proper movement.
Although the Achilles tendon is strong, it is susceptible to two conditions: Achilles Tendinosis and Achilles Tendinitis. In many cases, tendon pain is caused by Tendinosis or small tears in the tissue surrounding the tendon. Achilles tendinitis is an inflammation affecting the tendon, but this condition is rarely the reason for tendon pain.
Tendon injuries either occur suddenly (acute) or worsen overtime (chronic). Achilles tendinopathy affects persons who are highly active like recreational exercisers and athletes but it also affects inactive persons. This condition can arise from repeated movements when engaging in activities or by overusing the tendon. The main sign of this injury is pain that may affect a person while they are active like while running or walking. Another sympto tell because pain begins when the chronic tendinosis begins.
Insertional Achilles tendinopathy causes approximately 25% of all conditions associated with Achillis. Some of the facto wear proper footwear and repetitive loading.
There are several treatment options for tendinopathy. Physical therapy may be used alongside most treatments. Electric Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non invasive procedure that is highly effective in the treatment of tendinopathy. ESWT combined with eccentric exercises has led to the injury.
Patients may be required to take a break from sports and activities that may have the same effect as the offending activity. However, the patient may continue engaging in exercises that have no adverse effect on the Achilles tendon like swimming and upper body exercises. It is worth noting that for a full recovery, patients should avoid using the affected tendon.
Another treatment option for tendinopathy which may be used to the tendon after the patient has been through a session of tendinopathy treatment.
Unless your condition is caused by tendinitis, you are advised not tory medication like ibuprofen. Eccentric strengthening and stretching of your calf muscles can help you heal quickly. Calf raises or calf lowering are some of the common physical therapy exercises for tendinopathy. Massage may also be used as part of the treatment plan.
At New York Dynamic Neuromuscular Rehabilitation, we offer Achilles tendinopathy treatment necessary for you to trigger the body’s healing process. Our centre is one of the few facilities in New York that offers ESWT. We also offer other non-invasive treatments. Many of the patients that we treat respond positively when their condition is diagnosed and treated early.
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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