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Achilles tendinopathy

North Staffordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, UK, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Keele University School of Medicine, Stoke-on-Trent, UK

P Sharma

North Staffordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, UK, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Keele University School of Medicine, Stoke-on-Trent, UK

N Maffulli

North Staffordshire Hospitals NHS Trust, UK, Department of Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgery, Keele University School of Medicine, Stoke-on-Trent, UK, n.maffulli{at}keele.ac.uk

Achilles tendinopathy is a common clinical condition. The aetiology of Achilles tendinopathy remains unclear, but is probably multifactorial resulting from a combination of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Excessive loading of the tendon during vigorous training activities is regarded as the main pathological stimulus. The Achilles tendon may respond to repetitive overload beyond physiological threshold by either inflammation of its sheath, degeneration of its body, or a combination of both. Conservative management, including relative rest, anti-inflammatory drugs, physiotherapy and orthoses may be beneficial. Surgery is generally recommended after exhausting conservative management, usually after at least three to six months. Long-standing Achilles tendinopathy is associated with poor postoperative results, with a greater rate of reoperation before reaching an acceptable outcome.

Key Words: Achilles tendon • overuse injuries • tendinopathy

Trauma, Vol. 5, No. 4, 215-225 (2003)
DOI: 10.1191/1460408603ta285oa


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