Achilles Tendinopathy Pathogenesis and Management: A Narrative Review

Domiziano Tarantino (), Rosita Mottola, Giuseppina Resta, Rossana Gnasso, Stefano Palermi, Bruno Corrado, Felice Sirico, Carlo Ruosi and Rocco Aicale
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Domiziano Tarantino: Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Rosita Mottola: Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Giuseppina Resta: Department of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery, Casa di Cura di Bernardini, 74121 Taranto, Italy
Rossana Gnasso: Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Stefano Palermi: Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Bruno Corrado: Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Felice Sirico: Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Carlo Ruosi: Department of Public Health, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
Rocco Aicale: Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, University of Salerno, 84084 Baronissi, Italy

IJERPH, 2023, vol. 20, issue 17, 1-18

Abstract: The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon of the human body, and it is frequently injured during sports activity. The incidence of Achilles tendon pathologies has increased over recent decades, especially in the last few years, because of increased sports participation among the general population and due to the diffusion of competitive sports at a high level. Tendinopathies are common in athletes and in middle-aged overweight patients. The term “tendinopathy” refers to a condition characterised clinically by pain and swelling, with functional limitations of tendon and nearby structures, and consequently to chronic failure of healing response process. Tendinopathies can produce marked morbidity, and at present, scientifically validated management modalities are limited. Despite the constantly increasing interest and number of studies about Achilles tendinopathy (AT), there is still not a consensual point of view on which is the best treatment, and its management is still controversial. AT can be treated conservatively primarily, with acceptable results and clinical outcomes. When this approach fails, surgery should be considered. Several surgical procedures have been described for both conditions with a relatively high rate of success with few complications and the decision for treatment in patients with AT should be tailored on patient’s needs and level of activity. The aim of this article is to give insights about the pathogenesis and most used and recent treatment options for AT.

Keywords: Achilles tendon; Achilles tendinopathy; tendinopathy (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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