Nonsurgical Management of Midsubstance Achilles Tendinopathy

Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2017 Apr;34(2):137-160. doi: 10.1016/j.cpm.2016.10.004. Epub 2016 Dec 1.

Abstract

Midsubstance Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common lower leg conditions. Most patients can recover with nonsurgical treatment that focuses on tendon loading exercises and, when necessary, symptom modulating treatments such as topical, oral, or injected medication, ice, shoe inserts, manual therapy, stretching, taping, or low-level laser. If unresponsive to initial management, a small percentage of patients may consider shockwave or sclerosing treatment and possibly surgery.

Keywords: Eccentric; Midportion; Posterior heel pain; Tendinosis; Tendonitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Achilles Tendon / physiopathology*
  • Adult
  • Analgesics / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Conservative Treatment / methods*
  • Exercise Therapy / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pain Measurement
  • Physical Examination / methods*
  • Recovery of Function
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Tendinopathy / diagnosis*
  • Tendinopathy / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Weight-Bearing / physiology

Substances

  • Analgesics
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal