Achilles Tendonosis

Achilles Tendonitis or Tendonosis and Haglund’s Deformity Treatment

Help from your Achilles tendon and Haglund’s deformity surgeon in Orange County.

Achilles tendinitis is a very common condition that causes pain along the back of the leg and at the insertion of the Achilles into the calcaneus or heel bone.
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It is made of the Gastrocnemius and Soleus Muscles.

Some physicians will use the terms tendonitis and tendonosis interchangeably. To make things simple, we could say that tendonosis is a long standing problem that has been bothering the patient for over 4 months.

The Achilles tendon can withstand great stresses from running and jumping. Tendinitis occurs secondary to overuse and degeneration.

Definition of Achilles Tendonosis

Achilles tendonosis is a process that occurs after a long standing strain injury to the achilles tendon. Scar tissue develops within the achilles tendon that decreases flexibility and laxity of the tendon.

Cause of Achilles Tendonosis

Most commonly occurs secondary to an overuse injury. Symptoms can also start after a strain of the tendon.

Things that can exacerbate symptoms

Increase of exercise intensity or frequency
Insufficient rest between exercise
Very tight calf muscles or Equinus
Posterior heel spur or Haglund’s Deformity pain

Achilles Tendon Exam

A thorough History and Physical is imperative.

X-ray will evaluate the osseous structures of the rearfoot to evaluate for a Haglund’s Deformity

Sometimes an MRI will be helpful to evaluate the extent of the Achilles tendonitis or tendonosis

Treatment of Achilles Tendonosis and Haglund’s in Orange County

It is important to identify the factors that initially started the achilles tendonitis or tendonosis.

First line of treatment for tendonitis consist of the Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Medications like NSAID’s play a vital role to decrease inflammation

Once the initial inflammation is decreased, strengthening and stretching exercises can begin to treat the achilles tendon

Most studies have shown that the best way to treat Achilles Tendonitis and Tendonosis is via Eccentric Exercises

A good Physical Therapist can speed up the recovery process.

Caution should be taken when thinking about cortisone injections into any tendon especially with tendonosis. The patient must understand that there is a very high risk of complete achilles tendon rupture with injecting cortisone into a tendon.

Orthotics can help by keeping the foot and ankle in an ideal position during exercise. This work especially well with an equinus deformity

Studies have shown that Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is no better than doing the eccentric exercises.

 

Surgery for Achilles Tendonosis and Haglund’s in Orange County

If after 2 months of therapy the pain is still the same, surgery should be considered.
Surgery consists of removing the thickened portion of achilles tendon and fixing the tendon.

For a Haglund’s Deformity the bump is surgically removed to decrease size.

Call Dr. Kolodenker, your Orange County Achilles and Haglund’s Specialist for an exam.

 

 

Achilles Tendonitis/Tendonosis Education

 

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Last Updated 11-13-2016