Case Study : Triathlete Overcomes Achilles Tendinopathy

Patient Background:

Emily, a 35-year-old triathlete, came to our clinic with persistent pain in her Achilles tendon. She had been training intensively for an upcoming triathlon & began experiencing severe pain in her Achilles, particularly after running sessions. Her symptoms included stiffness & tenderness along the tendon, mild swelling, & discomfort that worsened with physical activity.

Diagnosis:

After a thorough examination & discussion of her training routine, we diagnosed Emily with Achilles tendinopathy, a common overuse injury in athletes involving degeneration and inflammation of the Achilles tendon. The condition was exacerbated by repetitive stress from her high-volume training.

Treatment Plan:

Shockwave Therapy:

We incorporated extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) into Emily’s treatment. Shockwave therapy uses sound waves to stimulate healing in damaged tissues. Emily underwent weekly sessions for six weeks. This therapy helped reduce inflammation, promote blood flow, & accelerate tissue repair in her Achilles tendon.

Customised Exercise Program:

We designed a specific exercise regimen focusing on strengthening & stretching the muscles around the Achilles tendon. Key exercises included:

Eccentric Heel Drops: To improve tendon strength & flexibility.

Calf Raises: To strengthen the calf muscles.

Toe Walks: To engage & strengthen the Achilles tendon functionally.

Foam Rolling: To relieve tension in the calf muscles & Achilles tendon.

Additionally, we advised Emily to incorporate non-impact activities such as swimming to maintain her cardiovascular fitness while reducing stress on her Achilles tendon.

Footwear Adjustment:

Upon evaluating Emily’s running & cycling shoes, we found they were contributing to her condition due to inadequate support. We recommended she switch to new shoes with proper arch support and cushioning. We also suggested custom orthotics to provide additional support & reduce strain on her Achilles tendon.

Outcome: After six weeks of combined treatment, Emily reported significant improvement. Her pain levels had decreased, & she was able to gradually resume her training with modified intensity. By the end of three months, Emily was back to her full training schedule, pain-free & well-prepared for her triathlon.

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