What is Non-Insertional Achilles tendinopathy?
This is a condition where the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed and often degenerate within the main body of the tendon. It is most commonly seen in individuals who exercise or those who have a previous injury to the tendon.
What are the symptoms of Non-Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy?
Pain is usually worse first thing in the morning or after periods of rest. It is often associated with a swelling of the tendon at the site of pain. It can be very debilitating and prevent the individual from exercising. It can cause a limp in severe cases.
How is Non-Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy diagnosed?
Clinical examination by a foot and ankle specialist is the key to an accurate diagnosis. Ultrasound scans and MRI can be very helpful in confirming the diagnosis and helping to plan rehabilitation.
How is Non-Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy treated?
Most individuals will recover well with the help of a physiotherapist. In addition to general foot and ankle rehabilitation, the physiotherapist will look at calf tightness as this has been shown to be a big driver of the symptoms. If a patient remains tight in the calf and symptomatic despite physiotherapy, a small procedure on the back of the calf called a proximal medial gastrocnemius release can take away tension in the calf and significantly improve symptoms.
Injection therapy can also play a role. A high volume injection around the tendon can break down early scar tissue and significantly improve symptoms. Shockwave therapy is a successful treatment if the above treatments have not given significant symptom improvement.
Surgery to the back of the heel is the last resort but may well be necessary if symptoms persist despite a combination of the above treatments.
If you or someone you know has suffered an injury or is experiencing pain across their lower limbs or difficulty with mobility and would like a consultant-led review, please contact us. Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of knee-related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.
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Grosvenor Orthopaedics have extensive experience in the treatment of foot & ankle -related injuries with excellent patient outcomes.
FOOT & ANKLE CONDITIONS
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FOOT & ANKLE TREATMENTS
If you would like to learn about other foot & ankle treatments click the button below to find out more
our specialist FOOT & ANKLE consultants
Foot & ankle care at Grosvenor Orthopaedics is lead by Mr Tim Sinnett. A graduate of Cambridge and Imperial College medical schools and leading academic and trauma consultant for Chelsea and Westminster NHS trust. He is further supported by the orthopaedic team here including other consultant surgeons, nurses and care staff.
Our team are well placed to manage and treat a diverse range of foot and ankle concerns utilising cutting edge diagnostic technology and treatment approaches, both surgical and conservative. Below is an overview of some of the conditions we treat but for a more thorough understanding please contact our team here
MR TIM SINNETT
Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Specialist in Foot and Ankle Surgery
What some of our patients say
Mrs EL
Thank you for taking great care of me throughout the whole operation process! My recovery has been much faster than anticipated and I am pain free after such a long time!