Diagnosis of an Achilles tendon inflammation

The Achilles tendon inflammation

The diagnosis of Achilles tendonitis can usually be made on the basis of the symptoms described, some clinical tests and an ultrasound examination. Therefore, an acutely occurring Achilles tendon inflammation usually does not require a detailed diagnosis. However, people who have been suffering from Achilles tendonitis for a longer period of time often need a more detailed diagnosis. This makes itself by means of imaging (for example MRT) and movement analyses (e.g. on the treadmill) on the search for the cause of the long-lasting complaints.

Examination of the Achilles tendon – These tests are done

The diagnosis of Achilles tendonitis begins with a medical history. Here the physician asks the affected person on the one hand, the symptoms, on the other hand, the circumstances that caused the Achilles tendon inflammation can be illuminated. Thus there is a comprehensive picture of the illness, which is important in the treatment of the complaints.

This is followed by a physical examination in which the affected Achilles tendon is always compared with the opposite side. During this examination, swelling, redness, overheating or water retention on the affected side may be noticed. This is followed by a number of movement tests, which are intended to reveal the extent of the pain under a certain load.

Afterwards, the doctor usually uses an ultrasound to get an idea of the structure of the Achilles tendon. In this way, focal points of inflammation in the Achilles tendon can be identified, and small injuries may also be found. If the complaints cannot be explained by the findings of the physical examination and the ultrasound, a more detailed image of the Achilles tendon can be made with an MRI, for example. In order to evaluate the course of treatment of Achilles tendon inflammation, especially in chronic complaints, the treadmill analysis is suitable. This objectively records the range of motion during everyday exercise and can thus identify individual problems requiring treatment.