REVIEW

A treatment algorithm for managing Achilles tendinopathy: new treatment options

Håkan Alfredson¹, J Cook²

¹ Sports Medicine Unit, Department of Surgical and Perioperative Science, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
² Musculoskeletal Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia

Correspondence to:
Dr J Cook
Musculoskeletal Research Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora 3086, Victoria, Australia;J.Cook@.latrobe.edu.au

Achilles tendinopathy affects athletes, recreational exercisers and even inactive people. The pathology is not inflammatory; it is a failed healing response. The source of pain in tendinopathy could be related to the neurovascular ingrowth seen in the tendon’s response to injury. The treatment of Achilles tendinopathy is primarily conservative with an array of effective treatment options now available to the primary care practitioner. If conservative treatment is not successful, then surgery relieves pain in the majority of cases. Directing a patient through the algorithm presented here will maximise positive treatment outcomes.

Abbreviations: CSI, corticosteroid injection; NSAID, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug

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