[Guideline 'Chronic Achilles tendinopathy, in particular tendinosis, in sportsmen/sportswomen']

Ned Tijdschr Geneeskd. 2007 Oct 20;151(42):2319-24.
[Article in Dutch]

Abstract

--Chronic Achilles tendinopathy in sports often leads to various therapeutic strategies, medical shopping and frequently to inability to perform at the desired level. --Although it is clear that this chronic tendinopathy is not an inflammatory disease of the tendon, the cause of the degeneration of the tendon fibres is not understood. --The main therapeutic measure--based on scientific evidence--is eccentric calf-muscle training for at least 3 months. --Recent therapies such as sclerotherapy ofneovascularizations in and around the Achilles tendon appear to be promising, but more studies are required. --About 20% of the patients tend to be refractive to conservative measures. --In selected cases surgery can be undertaken, with percutaneous longitudinal tenotomy proving effective in 75-80% of the cases.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Achilles Tendon / pathology*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Humans
  • Muscle, Skeletal / pathology
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Practice Guidelines as Topic*
  • Sports
  • Tendinopathy / physiopathology*
  • Tendinopathy / therapy*