title: The effects of conventional physical therapy and eccentric strengthening for insertional achilles tendinopathy.
abstract: METHODS
  Single-blind, randomized, clinical trial.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  The effect of eccentric training for mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy is well documented; however, its effect on insertional Achilles tendinopathy is inconclusive. The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of eccentric training on pain and function for individuals with insertional Achilles tendinopathy.
  
  
  METHODS
  All patients received a 12-week conventional strengthening protocol. Patients who were randomly assigned to the experimental group received additional eccentric exercises. Patients completed the Short Form-36 Health and Bodily Pain Surveys, the Foot and Ankle Outcomes Questionnaire, and the Visual Analog Scale at initial evaluation, after 6 weeks of therapy, and at 12 weeks after therapy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Thirty-six patients (20 control and 16 experimental; average age 54 years; 72% women) completed the study. Both groups experienced statistically significant decreases in pain and improvements in function. No statistically significant differences were noted between the groups for any of the outcome measures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Conventional physical therapy consisting of gastrocnemius, soleus and hamstring stretches, ice massage on the Achilles tendon, and use of heel lifts and night splints with or without eccentric training is effective for treating insertional Achilles tendinopathy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Level 2.
authors.affiliation: Campbell Clinic, Southaven, MS, USA.
authors.forename: Margaret
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kedia
authors.affiliation: Campbell Clinic, Memphis, TN, USA.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.affiliation: Campbell Clinic, Germantown, TN, USA.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Jain
authors.affiliation: Campbell Clinic, Southaven, MS, USA.
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Barron
authors.affiliation: Campbell Clinic, Germantown, TN, USA.
authors.forename: Nick
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Bird
authors.affiliation: Campbell Clinic, Collierville, TN, USA.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Blackwell
authors.affiliation: Campbell Clinic, Southaven, MS, USA.
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Richardson
authors.affiliation: Campbell Clinic, Collierville, TN, USA.
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ishikawa
authors.affiliation: Campbell Clinic, Germantown, TN, USA.
authors.forename: G Andrew
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Murphy
keywords: Achilles tendinopathy; eccentric training; posterior heel pain