Therapy of an Achilles tendon inflammation

If an Achilles tendon inflammation occurs, drug therapy can be helpful. Taking anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen and diclofenac can relieve the pain as the pain subsides, and these drugs also inhibit the progression of the inflammation in the tissue. It is important when taking these drugs that the Achilles tendon is not overstrained as a result of the pain relief, as the pain is no longer perceived as a warning signal.

Ointments containing these active ingredients can be applied to the surface, but they do not usually have the same effect as tablets. Although ibuprofen and diclofenac are freely available in pharmacies, it should be noted that side effects can occur, especially if taken over a longer period of time, so that these drugs should not be taken permanently without consulting a doctor. Therapy with herbal active ingredients can also be carried out.

For superficial application, for example arnica oil, horse ointment or tea tree oil are used. However, homeopathic injections can also be administered in the area surrounding the Achilles tendon inflammation. While the use of cortisone is very effective and widespread for many inflammations of the body, cortisone should not be injected into the affected tendon in the case of Achilles tendonitis, as this can make the tendon brittle and more susceptible to tears (Achilles tendon tear).

The use of Kinesiotape can be particularly helpful in cases of mild Achilles tendonitis and relieve the patient of his or her discomfort. A kinesiotape is a tissue tape about four to five centimetres wide, which is stuck to the skin in case of complaints of the musculoskeletal system. The mode of action is said to be based on the activation of sensory receptors in the skin and the activation of the connective tissue through the mechanical irritation by the tape.

Although there is no scientific proof that kinesiotapes work, this method is widely used and has become known in society through taped athletes who can be seen on television at major sporting events. Application: Although it is advisable to leave the taping to a professional, it is in principle also possible to use the Kinesiotape in self-application. There are various tape techniques for the treatment of Achilles tendonitis.

In the following two rather uncomplicated methods are described as examples. It is important when taping that the corners of the Kinesiotape are rounded off with scissors, because this way it lasts longer on the skin. 1. first, a tape strip is stuck from the underside of the heel over the Achilles tendon along the calf to just below the hollow of the knee.

It is important here that the kinesiotape is not pulled under tension, but is stuck to the skin in a relaxed state. Another tape strip, which is slightly shorter, is cut lengthwise to create a Y-shape. The base of the Y is glued to the Achilles tendon, the two wings should stick to the left and right of the calf muscles.

Finally, a tape strip is glued around the ankle, again the tension of the tape should not be too high. 2. similar to the method described first, a tape strip is stuck from the underside of the heel over the Achilles tendon to the calf. It should reach approximately to the middle of the calf.

Now two tape strips of similar length are glued from the outer side of the heel to the inner side of the calf (also here approximately up to the middle of the calf) and vice versa. The kinesiotape can remain on the skin until it detaches itself. It can be showered with it without any problems.

Achilles tendon inflammationSurgery for Achilles tendon inflammation should be carefully considered. It is recommended that conservative treatment be carried out first. Although a long-lasting inflammation can lead to a rupture of the Achilles tendon, these should be exhausted.

If the symptoms persist afterwards, surgery should be considered. Course of the operation: In principle, it is possible to carry out the operation on an outpatient basis; if the operation is carried out as an inpatient, the hospital stay is usually one to two days. The Achilles tendon surgery is performed either under local or general anesthesia and usually takes about half an hour.

The operation of the Achilles tendon can usually be performed minimally invasive, so that only a small skin incision is necessary. The aim of the operation is to remove thickened tissue and inflamed bursae. ossifications on the Achilles tendon are milled off.

If the inflammation is very advanced, it may be necessary to make a larger skin incision to see the full length of the tendon. This is necessary, since possibly dead tissue must be removed. After the operation, the affected lower leg is placed in a special splint for a few weeks so that the tissue can recover and heal.

It is important that the functionality of the Achilles tendon is restored after the operation through suitable rehabilitation measures such as physiotherapy. The load on the inflamed tendon should be gradually increased. In the first three months after the operation, there should be no major sporting activity.