Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles insertional tendinopathy may require surgical debridement and tendon reattachment when non-operative treatment fails. Single-row and double-row repairs are used, with biomechanical studies favoring double-row, but clinical evidence of improved outcomes is lacking and costs are higher. This multi-center randomized trial will use the VISA-A score to compare outcomes and inform cost-effective, evidence-based surgical care.

The purpose of the current exploratory clinical trial is to determine the effect of oral ingestion of metformin (OIM) in non-diabetic patients with chronic Achilles tendon pain. The trial has two aims; 1) to assess the effects of OIM treatment on tendon pain, and 2) to determine the effects of OIM capsules on tendon healing and repair. Twenty participants will be treated with metformin capsules for 16 weeks combined with a home exercise program. A comparison group of 20 participants will be treated with placebo tablets along with home exercise program.

Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is one of the most reported myotendinous pathologies due to overuse in the literature. In the general adult population, its incidence is 2.35 cases per 1,000 patients, with no difference between men and women. The international literature reports that up to 29% of patients fail with conservative treatment. Within physiotherapy, new alternatives for the treatment of tendinopathies arise, applying electric currents percutaneously, which from a mechanical effect associated to the use of a needle and an electric effect by the use of galvanic currents, generate a local inflammatory response; activation of the central nervous system and analgesia. The aim of the research is to evaluate the efficacy of adding low intensity percutaneous electrolysis to the treatment with a high load eccentric exercise program based on the protocol of Silbernagel et al. in adults with Achilles tendinopathy to improve its functionality. A randomized, double-blind, blinded, evaluator-blinded, controlled clinical trial will be conducted in parallel groups (experimental treatment vs. sham treatment), with a follow-up at 26 and 52 weeks after the first intervention. Non-probability and intentional sampling will be performed.

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of an early plyometric exercise approach with traditional heavy, slow resistance training in treating tendinopathies of the Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, and plantar fascia. These conditions, commonly seen in general and rheumatology practices, cause pain, reduced function, and stiffness, often leading to prolonged recovery and incomplete return to full physical activity. The study hypothesizes that introducing plyometric exercises early in rehabilitation will improve jump function after 12 weeks and reduce re-injury rates within 52 weeks compared to traditional methods. The study is a randomized clinical trial including 120 participants aged 18-50 with tendinopathy in one of the targeted areas. Participants must regularly engage in running or jumping sports, have symptoms for at least three months, and meet other inclusion criteria. Exclusion criteria include recent surgery or specific medical conditions. Both groups will perform exercises three times weekly for 12 weeks, tailored to their tendinopathy. The intervention group will add progressive plyometric exercises to the standard strength training performed by the control group. Plyometric training will consist of three levels, with patients self-assessing readiness to progress. The primary outcome is the change in the plyometric quotient, a measure of functional ability, based on a jump test using a force platform at 0 and 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include dynamic strength, jump height, patient-reported symptoms (via questionnaires), return to sport, training compliance, adverse events, pain thresholds, re-injury rates, and psychological readiness for sports. Assessments will occur at baseline, 12 weeks, and 52 weeks.

This is a randomized controlled trial with individuals who have Achilles tendon pain. This study is designed to identify an effective rehabilitation program for Achilles tendon pain that expands access to care for military personnel and to predict treatment response. Limited or delayed access to healthcare can exacerbate the severity of pain and duration of disability due to AT. This is particularly relevant for individuals deployed to battlefield settings or are being seen in busy military treatment facilities. Therefore, it is crucial to identify efficient and effective treatment pathways that maximize healthcare access and facilitate a rapid and pain-free return to full duty.

Achilles tendinopathy is a condition characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendinopathies are classified into insertional tendinitis and noninsertional tendinitis. Insertional tendinitis involves the lower part of the tendon, where the tendon inserts at the level of the calcaneus, and can affect even patients who are not particularly athletically active. Noninsertional tendinitis occurs when the fibers in the middle portion of the tendon are affected, affects young and athletic people the most, and has a high incidence (30-50%) in middle-aged individuals. Considering that there are no strong evidence-based guidelines in the area of treatment of achilles tendinopathy, the aim of this research project is to understand through a multicenter, randomized clinical investigation the impact of treatment with a porcine collagen-based medical device administered in the peri-tendon area in combination with physiotherapy on pain reduction and functional improvement of the investigated tendon.

Achilles tendinopathy is a prevalent condition characterized by pain, swelling, and impaired function of the Achilles tendon, commonly affecting athletes and active individuals. The disorder arises from a failed healing response, leading to degenerative changes in the tendon without significant inflammation. It is categorized into insertional (at the calcaneus-Achilles junction) and non-insertional (2-6 cm proximal to the insertion) types. Intrinsic risk factors include biomechanical abnormalities and systemic conditions like diabetes and hypertension, while extrinsic factors involve excessive mechanical load and training errors. Effective management of Achilles tendinopathy is crucial for preventing long-term disability and ensuring the continuation of physical activities.

The purpose of this research is to compare two different approaches for treating patients with achilles tendinopathy: eccentric exercise, stretching and manual therapy VS Electric dry needling, eccentric exercise, stretching and manual therapy. Physical therapists commonly use all of these techniques to treat achilles tendinopathy. This study is attempting to find out if one treatment strategy is more effective than the other.

Midportion Achilles tendinopathy (MAT) is a common overuse injury of the lower extremity characterized by the presence of pain, restricted function and interruption of sport activities. Conservative management of MAT has been suggested as the first line of treatment. Actually, there are several exercise programs with beneficial effects on pain and function among which high load training stands out. However, this training modality is inherently difficult to implement in certain populations and pathological conditions due to their inability to tolerate this mechanical stress. In this sense, low load training with blood flow restriction (BFR-LLT) emerges as an effective option in producing hypertrophic adaptations with low intensities (30% 1RM). However, this training modality has not yet been studied in tendon pathology. The aim of this study is to evaluate the potential clinical effects of BFR-LLT in comparison with HLT in patients with chronic MAT.

This is a prospective randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled superiority trial with two parallel groups and a 1:1 allocation ratio to investigate the effectiveness of radiofrequency coblation micro-tenotomy for patients with Achilles tendinopathy. All participants will be randomized into two groups: the intervention group (n=24; radiofrequency coblation micro-tenotomy + endoscopic Achilles debridement) and the control group (n=24; endoscopic Achilles debridement only). Adults (age \>18) with clinically diagnosed midportion Achilles tendinopathy will be recruited and scheduled for ultrasound screening. All participants will undergo a 12-week eccentric exercise program taught by a registered physiotherapist / athletic trainer. Undergo Endoscopic Achilles debridement and Radiofrequency coblation micro-tenotomy intervention. Criteria for discontinuing or modifying allocated interventions, Strategies to improve adherence to interventions, Relevant concomitant care permitted or prohibited during the trial and Provisions for post-trial care. Outocme measure will use VISA-A, pain scores, ultrasound measurement of thickness and vascularity, calf muscle strength, and ankle range of motion.