Medical history (history of illness) represents an important component in the diagnosis of Achillodynia (Achilles tendon pain). Family history What is the general health of your relatives? Are there any diseases of the tendons, bones/joints that are common in your family? Social history What is your profession? Do you work physically hard in your profession? … Achilles Tendon Pain (Achillodynia): Medical History
Pathogenesis (development of disease) The most common cause of Achillodynia is chronic misuse or overuse due primarily to sports activities (running and jumping sports). For example, an athlete’s jumping motion results in intense tensile stress on the Achilles tendon, particularly on one side. The high stress can cause microdamage (microruptures/microtears) to the tendon, which is … Achilles Tendon Pain (Achillodynia): Causes
General measures As a conservative therapeutic measure: initial immobilization and relief. Avoidance of misuse / overuse of the Achilles tendon. Causes of Achilles tendon insertion tendopathy (pain at the attachment (or origin) of tendons due to abacterial inflammation) may include: Error in training Mechanical overload Increased training intervals Intensive training in ascending terrain Repetitive misuse … Achilles Tendon Pain (Achillodynia): Therapy
Surgical therapy is considered only when conservative measures have not achieved the desired freedom from symptoms over a period of three to six months after pain-induced cessation of athletic activity. It is required only in rare cases. It must be kept in mind that the surgical procedure may result in scarring of the tendon, which … Achilles Tendon Pain (Achillodynia): Surgical Therapy
To prevent Achillodynia (Achilles tendon pain), attention must be paid to reducing individual risk factors. Behavioral risk factors Physical activity Chronic misuse/overuse of sports activities: Sports that involve a lot of running and jumping or rapid acceleration and deceleration – track and field athletes are especially affected, but so are athletes in other running and … Achilles Tendon Pain (Achillodynia): Prevention
The following symptoms and complaints may indicate Achillodynia (Achilles tendon pain): Main symptoms Pain (sometimes severe) of the Achilles tendon and/or its gliding tissue (paratenon) when walking or running; two to six centimeters above the calcaneal attachment of the tendon Pain: Occurs in the initial stage load-dependent, in the advanced stage even at rest. Can … Achilles Tendon Pain (Achillodynia): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs
Primary achillodynia Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99). After surgery on the Achilles tendon. After a partial rupture (partial tear) of the Achilles tendon. Paratenonitis crepitans achillea – aseptic inflammation of the tendon gliding tissue of tendons without tendon sheath. Secondary achillodynia Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99). Axial deviation (axis deviation) of the lower … Achilles Tendon Pain (Achillodynia): Or something else? Differential Diagnosis
The following are the most important diseases or complications that can be caused by Achillodynia (Achilles tendon pain) as well: Injuries, poisoning, and other sequelae of external causes (S00-T98). Achilles tendon rupture – rupture of the Achilles tendon.
A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; further: Inspection (viewing). Skin (normal: intact; abrasions/wounds, redness, hematomas (bruises), scars) and mucous membranes. Gait (fluid, limping). Body or joint posture (upright, bent, gentle posture). Malpositions (deformities, contractures, shortenings). Muscle atrophies (side … Achilles Tendon Pain (Achillodynia): Examination
Laboratory diagnostics are required only when the affected person’s information about sports activity does not match the symptomatology. Laboratory parameters-depending on the results of the medical history, physical examination, etc.-for differential diagnostic clarification Exclusion of metabolic disorders: Uric acid in blood serum – if hyperuricemia/gout is suspected. Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol – if … Achilles Tendon Pain (Achillodynia): Test and Diagnosis
Therapy goals Reduction of pain and thus increase of mobility. Resumption of sports activity Therapy recommendations Anti-inflammatory drugs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, NSAIDs), e.g. acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), ibuprofen. If necessary, injection of local anesthetics and neychondrin (infiltration therapy). Injections of steroids have not been sufficiently proven scientifically. They are considered controversial. Supplements (dietary supplements; vital substances) … Achilles Tendon Pain (Achillodynia): Drug Therapy
Obligatory medical device diagnostics. Sonography (ultrasound examination) For the assessment of degenerative changes For follow-up To exclude a tendon rupture (tendon tear) X-ray examination The characteristic spindle-shaped thickening of the Achilles tendon is visible Possible calcifications of the Achilles tendon as well as bony injuries of the foot can be imaged Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) … Achilles Tendon Pain (Achillodynia): Diagnostic Tests
