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Updated: Sep 27, 2026
Author Spotlight: Integrating Mechanical and Biological Analysis in Tendinopathy Research
Published on: March 1, 2024
Achilles tendinopathy
Nicola Maffulli1, Umile Giuseppe Longo2, Anish Kadakia3
1Department of Musculoskeletal Disorders, University of Salerno School of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry, Salerno, Italy; Centre for Sports and Exercise Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Mile End Hospital, 275 Bancroft Road, London, E1 4DG, England, United Kingdom.
Background:
Achilles Tendinopathy (AT) is essentially a failed healing response with haphazard proliferation of tenocytes, abnormalities in tenocytes with disruption of collagen fibers, and subsequent increase in non-collagenous matrix.
Methods:
The diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy is clinical, and MRI and utrasound imaging can be useful in differential diagnosis. Conservative manegement, open surgery or minimally invasive techniques are available. Injections and physical therapy are also vauable options.
Results:
Eccentric exercises are useful tools to manage the pathology. If the condition does not ameliorate, shock wave therapy, or nitric oxide patches might be considered. Peritendinous injections or injections at the interface between the Achilles tendon and Kager's triangle could be considered if physical therapy should fail. Surgery is indicated after 6 months of non-operative management.
Conclusions:
The clinical diagnosis and management of AT are not straightforward. Hence, patients should understand that symptoms may recur with either conservative or surgical approaches.
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