Conditions of the Achilles Tendon

 

Pain with No Swelling / Tendonitis

Pain and Swelling / Tendinosis

Achilles Tendon Tear

Chronic Achilles Tendon Tear

Retrocalcaneal Exostosis

Achilles Tendinosis | Achilles Tendon Scar Tissue | Partial Achilles Tear

What is Achilles Tendinosis?

Achilles tendinosis develops in cases of neglected pain and swelling of the Achilles tendon. If the tendon is not cared for at an early period and chronic overload of the tendon continues, the tendon eventually begins to get microscopic tears that develop into scar tissue. This results in enlargement of the tendon and scar tissue in the tendon which causes pain.

Conservative Care of Achilles Tendinosis:

If caught early, conservative measures such as physical therapy and orthotic custom insoles may be used to reverse the scar tissue and pain.

Conservative treatment can be attempted when there is tendinosis, with less probability of healing due to the chronic nature of the deformity. Immobilization and physical therapy may be attempted.

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy For Achilles Tendinosis:

In certain cases of chronic pain and swelling, a novel approach called Platelet Rich Plasma Injection can be used to allow for healing of the tendon. In Platelet Rich Plasma Injections therapy, the patient's blood is collected and spun down taking out the rich healing plasma material. This plasma is then injected into the tendon and begins a healing cascade within the body that allows for removal of the poor scar tissue and healing of the tendon without the need for surgery.

University Foot and Ankle Institute is proud to be one of the first organizations in the world to be involved in this novel approach and has taught the technique to many surgeons all over the world.

Topaz Treatment of Achilles Tendinosis

The extra thickening of the tendon will need to be reduced. The scar tissue and any damaged tendon will need to be removed. With continued scar formation, Topaz coblation may be needed to break up the scar tissue and bring new blood to the area. This coblation will turn this chronic problem into a new acute problem that can heal in a controlled environment. The patient will be placed in a cast on crutches for a period of weeks. In rare cases, the tendon may need to be reinforced with another tendon by transferring a tendon to the achilles tendon..

University Foot and Ankle Institute doctors are innovators in the use of the Topaz procedure in the foot and ankle and also have a vast knowledge in the treatment of Achilles tendonitis and tendinosis issues.

 

Surgical Repair For Achilles Tendinosis and Partial Achilles Tendon Tears:

With chronic micro-trauma to the Achilles tendon, there is formation of scar tissue and partial tears of the Achilles. This process continues on for months to years resulting in a thickened, damaged and scarred tendon which is enlarged and painful. In such a case, the tendon needs to be cleaned up and scar tissue needs to be removed surgically to allow the Achilles tendon to heal and function properly.