Achilles Tendonitis Flashcards
What is Achilles tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles (calcaneal) tendon.
Breifly describe the sequele for Achilles tendonitis
The sequelae of Achilles tendonitis may Achilles tendon rupture, whereby the tendon ruptures and resulting in complete loss of function of the ipsilateral calf muscle. Approximately 80% of all ruptures occur during athletic activity.
Briefly describe the anatomy and function of the Achilles tendon
The Achilles tendon unites the gastrocnemius, soleus and plantaris muscles.
It inserts in to the calcaneus and produces plantarflexion of the ankle.
Briefly describe the pathophysiologgy of Achilles tendonitis
Repetitive action of the tendon results in microtears leading to localised inflammation. Over time the tendon becomes thickened, fibrotic, and loses elasticity with repeated episodes.
Achilles tendon rupture occurs when a substantial sudden force is applied across the tendon, often in the context of existing Achilles tendonitis. The precipitating event could be a movement such as a sudden jump or rapid change in direction whilst running.
What are the risk factors for Achilles tendonitis?
The classical case of tendonitis or rupture occurs in an unfit individual who has a sudden increase in exercise frequency.
Other risk factors include poor footwear choice, male gender, obesity or recent fluoroquinolone use (for tendon rupture).
What are the clinical features of Achilles tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis presents with a gradual onset of pain and stiffness in the posterior ankle, often worse with movement. This can usually be improved with mild exercise or heat application.
On examination, there is tenderness over the tendon on palpation (usually worse 2-6cm above its insertion site), with pressure over the tendon with your fingers reproducing this pain.
What are the clincia features of Achilles rupture?
In cases of tendon rupture, patients will often describe sudden-onset severe pain in the posterior calf, accompanied with an audible popping sound and a feeling that something ‘went’.
On examination, there will be a marked loss of power of ankle plantarflexion (the peroneal tendons contribute to plantarflexion so this movement remains, but significantly weakened).
The most commonly used indicators of a clinical tendon rupture are Simmonds test and a palpable ‘step’ in the Achilles tendon.
Briefly describe Simmond’s Test
Simmonds’ test can be used to assess for potential Achilles tendon rupture. With the patient kneeling on a chair, with the affected ankle hanging off the edge of the chair, squeeze the affected calf. If the Achilles tendon is in continuity, the foot will plantarflex; however, plantarflexion is absent when the tendon is ruptured.
What investigations should be ordered for Achilles tendonitis and rupture?
Both Achilles tendonitis and tendon rupture are typically clinical diagnoses; however, where there is clinical equipoise, an ultrasound scan may be required. This is particularly useful for differential complete and partial tears.
Briefly describe the management of Achilles tendonitis
Acute tendonitis can be treated with supportive measures. Patients are encouraged to stop precipitating exercise, ice the area and use anti-inflammatory medication regularly.
Cases of chronic tendonitis require rehabilitation and physiotherapy; slow controlled movement against resistance has been shown to increase long term tendon strength and reduced rates of recurrent tendonitis.
Briefly describe the management of Achilles rupture
Initial management for acute partial-thickness or full-thickness Achilles tendon rupture (<2 weeks) requires analgesia and immobilisation, with the ankle splinted in a plaster in full equinus (i.e. with the ankle and toes maximally pointed). They are then provided with crutches and not allowed to weight bear.
This position is held for 2 weeks. Following this, the ankle is brought in to ‘semi-equinus’, and held for a further 4 weeks. After this, the ankle is brought in to the neutral position and held again for 4 weeks.
Delayed presentations (>2 weeks) or cases of re-rupture requires surgical fixation with an end-to-end tendon repair.
How is the Achilles tendon immbolised?
It is worth noting that more units are now switching from plaster immobilisation to using a weight-bearing orthosis (a ‘moonboot’), with a large heel raise insert; this achieves the same position as described above (equinus), but the patient can fully weight bear immediately.
What differentials should be considered for Achilles tendonitis and rupture?
The main differential diagnosis to consider include Achilles tendonitis is ankle sprain, stress fractures (tibial or calcaneal) or osteoarthritis.
For tendon rupture, the main differential diagnoses are an ankle fracture or ankle sprain.
