Has anyone been diagnosed with Achilles tendonosis, not tendonitis?

[graciegirl]

Any advice? Any orthopedic physician you would recommend?

Gracie the limper.

[woolman44]

Dr. Johnny Wu is excellent for therapy and common foot injuries. I had surgery done by Dr. Chad Watkins on my ruptured Achilles tendon, he was excellent.

[zonerboy]

"-itis" is a medical suffix meaning "inflammation of" or "irritation of". So Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which may be caused by injury or chronic strain. It may be accompanied by pain, redness, or swelling.
Tendonsis refers to a degeneration or weakening of the tendon caused by a lack of adequate nutrition to the cells of the tendon. There are no signs of inflammation and so anti-inflammatory medications such as advil, alleve, naprosyn, etc. do not help. Nor does cortisone.
It is thought that chronically tight muscles in the calf (Muscles that are attached to the Achilles tendon) may contribute to the poor nutritional state of the tendon. So treatment may be directed toward relieving any tension of these muscles.
I am a newbie here and cannot recommend a proper doc for this condition.

[fwpc3]

Tendinosis or tendonopathy refers to the idea that this is a chronic , non inflamed condition. In theory the body is not recognizing the problem and does not attempt to heal it. Newer therapies include prolotherapy, which is the injection of non active substances like saline(salt water) that will invoke an inflammatory response and stimulate the body to heal and repair the area. Some practitioners "dry needle" the area ,essentially just poking the area with a needle to again provoke a reaction. Other newer therapies involve injecting the patients own platelets ( small blood cells) into the area. The patient's blood is drawn and spun down to isolate the platelet component and injected. Platelets are thought to have some healing properties. Tiger Woods has had this type of treatment for his knee.
If time and physical therapy do not suffice I would seek an orthopedic specialist that lists an interest in sport's medicine. They would be aware of these latest treatments.

[graciegirl]

Tendinosis or tendonopathy refers to the idea that this is a chronic , non inflamed condition. In theory the body is not recognizing the problem and does not attempt to heal it. Newer therapies include prolotherapy, which is the injection of non active substances like saline(salt water) that will invoke an inflammatory response and stimulate the body to heal and repair the area. Some practitioners "dry needle" the area ,essentially just poking the area with a needle to again provoke a reaction. Other newer therapies involve injecting the patients own platelets ( small blood cells) into the area. The patient's blood is drawn and spun down to isolate the platelet component and injected. Platelets are thought to have some healing properties. Tiger Woods has had this type of treatment for his knee.
If time and physical therapy do not suffice I would seek an orthopedic specialist that lists an interest in sport's medicine. They would be aware of these latest treatments.

Much less invasive and less recovery than surgery to accomplish the same thing, an inflammatory response. I had read about that technique. I have been wearing my Nikes and things have improved quite a bit.

Hoping it will continue.

[Villages PL]

Much less invasive and less recovery than surgery to accomplish the same thing, an inflammatory response. I had read about that technique. I have been wearing my Nikes and things have improved quite a bit.

Hoping it will continue.

Sure, it will continue to get better. Just go easy on it; don't overdo any exercising, and eat lots of dark leafy-green salads. :)

[Lynnelf]

Thanks for posting this. After reading it, I did a little online research and feel positive that this is what I have. I will have to tell my Dr. on my next visit. In the meantime, I will try the ice and give it some rest (although I was feeling really good about my new walking routine.) So thanks for the diagnosis Dr. Gracie.

[tcahearn]

I have had achilles tendonitis and as a RN, I sought the best podiatrist here and feel that Dr Wu was spot on. Fortunately, mine was not ruptured but as a result of wearing those "shape-up" rocker shoes for such a long time. Dr. Wu referred me to physical therapy which focused on a lot of stretching which I still do everyday.
Don't be too hasty as this condition takes a very long time to heal and improve. Just keep on stretching and improve core muscle strength and buy some good, supoortive shoes. Flip flops are out!!
Hope this helps! Good luck.

[graciegirl]

I have had achilles tendonitis and as a RN, I sought the best podiatrist here and feel that Dr Wu was spot on. Fortunately, mine was not ruptured but as a result of wearing those "shape-up" rocker shoes for such a long time. Dr. Wu referred me to physical therapy which focused on a lot of stretching which I still do everyday.
Don't be too hasty as this condition takes a very long time to heal and improve. Just keep on stretching and improve core muscle strength and buy some good, supoortive shoes. Flip flops are out!!
Hope this helps! Good luck.

The shape up rocker shoes? Are they the ones whose name is three letters that I can't think of this moment? Some people are saying I should get those.

Glad to hear that isn't the case. Thank you for your encouragment. I will continue doing both things you suggested.

And see Dr. Wu, too.

[Pturner]

The shape up rocker shoes? Are they the ones whose name is three letters that I can't think of this moment? Some people are saying I should get those.

Glad to hear that isn't the case. Thank you for your encouragment. I will continue doing both things you suggested.

And see Dr. Wu, too.

Oh no, GG. Take good care of it, call Dr. Wu and feel better soon, please!

Hugs,
P

p.s., I think the shoes are shape up rocker shoes are Sketchers.