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Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy

Insertional tendinopathy is a build-up of calcification within the Achilles tendon where it attaches into the heel. This causes a bony protrusion situated at the back of the heel bone. Insertional Achilles tendinopathy can quite often be painless, but in some cases, pain can be experienced at the back of the heel.

Causes

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy is sometimes associated with the plantar fasciitis condition; this typically occurs over a number of years as it can happen due to wear and tear of the Achilles tendon which connects the ball of the foot and the back of the heel bone. Plantar fasciitis typically produces painful symptoms.

Risk factors associated with insertional Achilles tendinopathy include running on hard surfaces; walking gait abnormalities which exert excessive pressure on the heel bone, the heel ligaments and the nerves; obesity; and shoes which are badly worn, lack sufficient arch support, or are poorly fitted. It is also sometimes associated with a tight calf muscle.

Symptoms

It is common for insertional Achilles tendinopathy to cause no symptoms – but they can cause pain which is intermittent or chronic, which can occur when there is inflammation at the location of the spur formation, leading to a soft tissue injury. Symptoms can intensify with physical activities such as walking or running.

Insertional Achilles tendinopathy pain is characterised by a sharp stabbing sensation at the bottom of the feet, or a dull ache. It can often be experienced when first standing in the morning, or when standing for a prolonged period.

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Treatment

Non-surgical treatment options for insertional Achilles tendinopathy can include stretching, strapping or taping allowing stressed muscles to rest, new shoes or shoes without a heel counter to press on the painful area, footwear with a slight heel raise, orthotic devices (shoe inserts), night splints, physical therapy, medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and paracetamol.

While in the vast majority of cases, insertional Achilles tendinopathy can be addressed with non-surgical treatments, in some cases a surgical procedure can be advised.

Surgery can be focused on the removal of a spur, detachment of the Achilles and reattachment using the SpeedBridge technique. Often a plaster cast is required for the first two weeks and then weight-bearing can commence in a boot with the foot pointing downwards. In can take three months to recover from this procedure, with swelling persisting for longer. A number of measures can be taken after the operation in order to aid recovery; these can include rest, ice treatment, elevation of the foot, and compression techniques.

As with all foot surgery it is normal for swelling to persist for some months after surgery and is completely normal. This swelling will eventually completely subside with time and can take up to 12 months but often goes well before this.

Ankle pain can be distressing, especially if you're not sure what options are open to you. If you're wondering if surgery could help you, book an appointment.

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Mr Ajis is a great surgeon, he listens to any concern you may have and explains what is going to happen also gives great care... He suggested a fairly new procedure that wasn't available on the NHS but he pushed me through and he and his team have worked wonders, I am now healing very well and pain-free in my ankle after 6 years!

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Written by a patient at BMI Goring Hall Hospital

I saw Mr Ajis after sustaining a fracture of my 5th metatarsal which had not healed after a year. The pain was unbearable. He saw me promptly and took the time to explain my condition with the help of x-ray images with assurances that he could fix the problem. I was advised by other clinicians to be patient and wait for the fracture to heal on its own. Mr Ajis said that healing would be highly unlikely without intervention. After numerous emails and 'phone calls to him he constantly...

...spent the time reassuring me and patiently going over the intended procedure. To date after seeking advice and guidance from Mr Ajis, his secretary and the Physio Team and the insertion of a plate my fracture has united I walk well, without pain and I have joined a walking group.