Physical therapist management of fluoroquinolone-induced Achilles tendinopathy.
OBJECTIVE
Use of fluoroquinolone antibiotics is reported to be a cause of adverse musculoskeletal effects, such as tendinopathies and tendon ruptures. The purpose of this case report is to describe the management and outcomes of a patient with bilateral Achilles tendinopathy secondary to fluoroquinolone antibiotic use.


METHODS
The patient was a 41-year-old man who developed bilateral Achilles tendon pain on the third day of levofloxacin use. The physical therapy intervention consisted of an initial phase to reduce stress on the tendon through the use of crutches and orthoses and a second phase to progressively stress the tendon through exercise and functional activities.


RESULTS
After 11 weeks of physical therapy (14 treatments), the patient's pain decreased from 3/10 to 1/10 on a visual analog scale and his Lower Extremity Functional Scale score increased from 28/80 to 71/80.


CONCLUSIONS
An overlapping 2-phased intervention approach based on connective tissue remodeling principles may be effective in elimination of pain and restoration of function following fluoroquinolone-induced Achilles tendinopathy.
Greene
Brenda L
BL
Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA. bgree02@emory.edu
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000293:injuries*; D000328:Adult; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D064704:Levofloxacin; D008297:Male; D015523:Maxillary Sinusitis / Q000188:drug therapy; D015242:Ofloxacin / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D012421:Rupture; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D064704:Levofloxacin; D015242:Ofloxacin