Chronic Achilles tendinopathy in athletic individuals: results of nonsurgical treatment.
We report the results of nonsurgical treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy in 22 patients with a follow-up of 33 to 72 months. Immediately after the treatment period, 70% of the patients were either improved or cured. At follow-up, 65% were improved or cured, and 35% failed treatment or had a poor long-term result. In these patients, early surgery might have been considered, but only one patient received a peritendinitis operation in the follow-up period. In athletic individuals with chronic Achilles tendinopathy, nonsurgical treatment with emphasis on active training is recommended. Surgery should be considered if the athlete has been treated for 3 to 6 months without progress.
Angermann
P
P
The Sports Medicine Clinic (DIF) of Copenhagen County, Glostrup Hospital, Denmark.
Hovgaard
D
D
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries; D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012421:Rupture; D013177:Sports; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome