J Korean Foot Ankle Soc.  2021 Jun;25(2):61-65. 10.14193/jkfas.2021.25.2.61.

Etiology of Achilles Tendinopathy: Inflammation versus Overuse

• Kim DY
• Lee DY

• KMID: 2516641
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.14193/jkfas.2021.25.2.61

Abstract

It is widely acknowledged that Achilles tendinopathy and resultant degeneration of the Achilles tendon could be either due to vigorous physical exertion or due to inflammation of the tendon associated with systemic disease. The overuse injuries are generally multifactorial in origin and are caused by repetitive strain of the affected tendon till the tendon can no longer endure the tensile stress. Various alignment and biomechanical faults are claimed to play a causative role. Only 2% of patients complaining of Achilles tendon pain are caused by systemic disease. However, to ensure the right approach to treatment, it is necessary to rule out inflammatory tendinitis caused by systemic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and seronegative spondyloarthrosis.

Keyword

Achilles tendinitis; Achilles tendinopathy; Overuse induced tendinopathy; Systemic disease-induced tendinopathy

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