d508dq
26-10-2004, 02:50 AM
I am suffering from on-going Achilles tendon pain and would appreciate your advice.
I had surgery when the tendon ruptured 20 years ago, and have had only the occasional twinge from it until 6 months ago. I was not putting any additional strain on the tendon. I started physiotherapy treatment for it then, but this did not improve matters greatly. I was recently referred to an orthopaedic surgeon, who I have now seen twice. Following the first visit, I had a cortisone injection, which did not reduce the pain. A recent ultrasound examination showed a lesion measuring 1.5cm long, and neovascularisation in the area. The surgeon has referred me for shockwave therapy. Unfortunately, the first appointment will not be for a few weeks. I am limiting the distance I walk as it has now reached the stage where it is extremely painful to take just a few steps, and even when sitting. The surgeon has not given me any information about how shock wave therapy works, or the likelihood of success. However, I gather that this is most commonly used to treat inflammation or break down calcium deposits - neither of these were indicated by the ultrasound.
As you will understand, my priority is to reduce the pain and ensure the tendon is healed. I am not looking to be able to undertake any strenuous exercise. I'd be very grateful for any information you have on the following.
1. How can I reduce the pain and limit further damage to the tendon? Should I support the ankle with a bandage?
2. How would shockwave therapy improve the healing of the lesion? Is shockwave the treatment most likely to help? Are there any other methods of treatment that I should investigate?
3. While undertaking shockwave therapy, what should I do to ensure the rehabilitation of the ankle?
4. How did the lesion occur, and what does the healing process involve? Would this be described as chronic tendinopathy?
5. Do you know of any specialists in Melbourne that I could approach for a second opinion?
Sorry for the list of questions. Many thanks in advance.
I had surgery when the tendon ruptured 20 years ago, and have had only the occasional twinge from it until 6 months ago. I was not putting any additional strain on the tendon. I started physiotherapy treatment for it then, but this did not improve matters greatly. I was recently referred to an orthopaedic surgeon, who I have now seen twice. Following the first visit, I had a cortisone injection, which did not reduce the pain. A recent ultrasound examination showed a lesion measuring 1.5cm long, and neovascularisation in the area. The surgeon has referred me for shockwave therapy. Unfortunately, the first appointment will not be for a few weeks. I am limiting the distance I walk as it has now reached the stage where it is extremely painful to take just a few steps, and even when sitting. The surgeon has not given me any information about how shock wave therapy works, or the likelihood of success. However, I gather that this is most commonly used to treat inflammation or break down calcium deposits - neither of these were indicated by the ultrasound.
As you will understand, my priority is to reduce the pain and ensure the tendon is healed. I am not looking to be able to undertake any strenuous exercise. I'd be very grateful for any information you have on the following.
1. How can I reduce the pain and limit further damage to the tendon? Should I support the ankle with a bandage?
2. How would shockwave therapy improve the healing of the lesion? Is shockwave the treatment most likely to help? Are there any other methods of treatment that I should investigate?
3. While undertaking shockwave therapy, what should I do to ensure the rehabilitation of the ankle?
4. How did the lesion occur, and what does the healing process involve? Would this be described as chronic tendinopathy?
5. Do you know of any specialists in Melbourne that I could approach for a second opinion?
Sorry for the list of questions. Many thanks in advance.