Achilles Tendinopathy Flashcards
Mid-Portion vs. Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy?
Mid-Portion affects the tendon in the middle, often due to repetitive strain, while Insertional affects where the tendon attaches to the heel, often due to excess loading.
Key Exercises for Achilles Tendinopathy?
For mid-portion tendinopathy, try eccentric exercises (like slow lowering movements). Insertional tendinopathy may need additional treatments like soft tissue therapy.
How Do Medical Conditions Affect the Achilles Tendon?
Conditions like arthritis, diabetes, high cholesterol, and gout can increase the risk of Achilles tendinopathy by affecting tendon health.
How Can Medications Impact the Achilles Tendon?
Certain antibiotics (like fluoroquinolones) are linked to a higher risk of Achilles tendon rupture.
What is the Warm-Up Phenomenon in Achilles Tendinopathy?
With Achilles tendinopathy, pain often feels worse at the very beginning of an activity, but after a few minutes, the pain may ease or feel less intense. This is called the “warm-up phenomenon.” It’s a common sign of tendinopathy, different from other conditions where pain usually keeps increasing with activity.
Sural Nerve (SID) Test – Why and How
The sural nerve supplies sensation to the outer foot. To test it, we lift the leg while pointing the toes up and inward (dorsiflexion and inversion). Pain or tingling on the outer foot may suggest sural nerve irritation, which can sometimes mimic or contribute to Achilles pain.
Tibial Nerve (TED) Test – Why and How
The tibial nerve runs down the back of the leg to the sole of the foot. Testing it involves lifting the leg while pointing the toes down and inward (plantarflexion and inversion). If this position causes pain or numbness in the back of the leg or foot, it may indicate tibial nerve irritation, which could contribute to Achilles discomfort.
Palpation Test – Why and How
Pressing along the Achilles tendon can help locate the exact spot of pain, distinguishing between mid-portion and insertional tendinopathy. Mid-portion pain is often higher up on the tendon, while insertional pain is closer to where the tendon meets the heel.
Functional Tests for Achilles Tendinopathy
Functional tests like calf raises or hopping on one leg help assess the tendon’s strength and check for pain with movement. These tests can identify specific activities that trigger pain, providing a baseline to track progress in rehab.
What is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone (calcaneus). It helps us walk, run, and jump by transferring force from the calf muscles to lift the heel.
Blood Supply and Healing in the Achilles Tendon
The Achilles tendon has a limited blood supply, especially in the mid-portion. This reduced blood flow can slow down the healing process after injury or overuse, making tendinopathy more challenging to treat.
Exercises for ealry stage?
Flashcard 1: Isometric Calf Raises (Early Stage)
Purpose: To reduce pain and activate the Achilles tendon without causing excessive strain.
How to Perform: Stand on both feet and rise onto the balls of your feet, holding this position for 30-45 seconds. Lower back down slowly. Start with body weight and progress to single-leg if tolerated.
When to Use: Best for the early stages of rehab when pain is present, as isometrics can help manage pain without excessive load on the tendon.
