Tapes

A tape bandage can also be used for Achilles tendonitis. A conventional tape is a one-sided adhesive strip that can be applied to the Achilles tendon by a competent person, depending on the desired effect. In the case of an Achilles tendon inflammation, the tape bandage can provide additional relief for the tendon and at the same time immobilize you, because the tape bandage is relatively inelastic, so that the ankle can be fixed well.

By the simultaneous pressure (compression), which develops by the tape bandage, this has beside the supporting and relieving also a decongestant function.Since some people are allergic to the material, there are so-called under-tapes, which prevent direct skin contact with the tape by being applied first, thus forming a protective layer between tape and skin. A special form of the tape bandage are the so-called kinesiotapes, which are very elastic and therefore have no stabilizing or calming function. They are intended to stimulate the blood circulation and promote the natural lymph flow, so that injured structures are relieved. The clinical effect of the Kinesiotapes has not been proven, however, in many cases they are used in addition to the therapy.

Surgery for Achilles tendon inflammation

An operation is indicated in the case of an achillodynia if the symptoms have been going on for months and the disease has become chronic. In these cases, thickening of the heel area is usually already visible externally. Those affected suffer from the permanent inflammation and are severely restricted in their everyday life.

There are basically two procedures available for the operation: The removal of inflamed structures and excess connective tissue: During the operation, the chronically thickened tissue is removed, including diseased bursae and connective tissue. Artificial reinforcement of the Achilles tendon Reinforcement of the Achilles tendon can be useful if the tendon is already partially torn. The surgeon can then either suture it or replace it with plastic.

For this purpose, either the body’s own material, such as tissue from the calf muscles, or synthetic plastic can be used. With both surgical procedures, the chances of recovery in the post-operative phase are very good. The Achilles tendon must be completely immobilized in a special splint for 4-8 weeks after the operation. A subsequent post-operative treatment program then restores the patient to full weight bearing.

The removal of inflamed structures and excess connective tissue:

Artificial reinforcement of the Achilles tendon