Achilles Tendon Disorders

Who does this affect? This is the heel cord. It is a crucial tendon at the back of the ankle that allows the patient to "toe-off" when walking or running. The blood supply comes from above and below and so the portion in the middle becomes vulnerable as you get older.

Symptoms It can become inflamed (tendonitis) or even rupture during activity, especially sports involving rapid acceleration such as tennis or squash.

Investigations A careful examination is essential. Scans can be used in order to diagnose this condition.

Non-surgical Treatment Initially, physiotherapy and orthotics (insoles) are used for tendonitis. Specialised splints, which can avoid the necessity for an operation, can treat ruptures but recovery is slower than with surgery, and the re-rupture rates are higher.

Surgical Treatment In some patients, early surgical repair of ruptured achilles tendon, with functional aftercare, has the lowest rates of re-rupture. Surgery is also undertaken for chronic tendonitis.