Banner
Abstract
The “Achilles’ heel” of tendinopathy: associated risk factors
published in September - October 2021 - in Il Fisioterapista - issue n.5
Michela Beni

Achilles tendinopathy is a pathology characterized by localized Achilles tendon pain, with clinically relevant structural changes. Diagnosis for this pathology is often made thanks by a combination of the patient’s clinical history, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging. Achilles’ tendon disorders are one of the most reported overload injuries in the literature, and the majority of patients suffering from this tendinopathy are active individuals, often employed in amateur or competitive sports. To specify which subjects are most at risk, several risk factors must be considered. These include limited joint range in dorsiflexion of the ankle, limited mobility of the sub-talar joint, reduced strength of the plantar flexor muscles of the ankle, increased pronation, an altered structure of the Achilles tendon, obesity, hypertension, hyperlipidemia and diabetes mellitus, medications used, and errors in training methods and load.