Achilles tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy is a clinical syndrome characterized by three elements , pain , swelling and functional impairment , corresponding to the histological pattern of " tendinosis " , a term that indicates a degenerative non- inflammatory process with a disorganized collagen structure ( Maffuli et al ) Achilles tendon is the most frequently injured tendon in the human body Common problem- prevalent in athletes involved in running sportalso common among athletes in racquet sports , volleyball , soccer ,dancers , gymnasts Incidence has risen in last 3 decades - greater participation in recreational and competitive sports Non-athletes are also affected- 1/3rd of affected people are non athletes More common in men Mean reported age of onset 30-50 yrs ( Carcia 2010 ) Affects 2 % of the general population and may have a lifetime prevalence of 42 % in more active groups

anatomy-Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body Confluence of gastrosnemius and soleus muscle Has no true synovial sheath of its own but has a paretenon which is a sheath of flexible connective tissue that allows for a gliding action ( paratenon can stretch 2-3 cm with movement ) Nerve supply from attached muscles and small fasciculi...