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Achilles tendontitis

ACHILLES TENDONITIS

Achilles tendonitis is a condition seen in many sports, particularly seen in athletes, by overloading or too quickly build up the training load. With repeated strain, micro-tears as well as degeneration of the normal fibre structure may occur.

Achilles tendonitis can be either acute, meaning occurring over a period of a few days, following an increase in training, or chronic which occurs over a longer period of time. In addition to being either chronic or acute, the condition can also be either at the attachment point to the heel or in the mid-portion of the tendon (typically around 4cm above the heel). Healing of the achilles tendon is often slow, due to its poor blood supply.

Achilles tendonitis treatment


If the symptoms are more than 6 to 12 weeks duration, you can opt for a GPS (Gravitational Platelet Separation) treatment. It is an autologous concentration of platelets in a small volume of plasma and is rich in several growth factors that promote tendon healing.

The treatment is a minor surgical procedure and is as follows:

  • The treatment is performed under anesthesia

  • The treatment area is marked with a marker and a small amount of blood is collected and processed by centrifuge to isolate the platelets
  • Then the solution (GPS®) is injected into the tendon and the area around.
  • Finally, a small sterile dressing is applied

Preparation

  • First you visit the doctor's assistant or anesthesiologist. She will discuss with you what will happen before, during and after the treatment and the various forms of anesthesia and pain management, both during and after surgery. More information about anesthesia, you can read here.
  • The day of treatment is scheduled. You can return home on the on the same day of surgery. 
  • Crutches are recommended for the first day. For more information: www.thuiszorgwinkel.nl

 

Day of treatment

  •  You appear sober at the clinic (at 00:00 hour before the day of treatment)
  • You wear comfortable clothing and shoes and leave valuables at home as much as possible
  • You will positioned and treated in the operating suite
  • After treatment you will be moved to the recovery room to recover from your anesthesia
  • When you are restored sufficiently, the surgeon or anesthesiologist will agree with your dismissal. You may not drive home by yourself.
  • Spare your treated knee in the first few hours / days after treatment.


Recovery

  • The physical therapist will explain how to use the crutches and the exercise at home so recovery will be as smoothly as possible.
  • After 24 hours the bandage may be removed.
  • Pain and swelling indicates that you have to reduce your physical activities
  • Physiotherapy is not necessary
  • You can drive if your knee feels strong and stable enough. The period during which work can be resumed depends on the type of work you do.

 

Complications

Surgery is not without risks and complications can arise. Although the risk of a complication of this treatment is low, complications may be related to anesthesia or infections. Consult your surgeon with the following complications:

  • Achilles tendon remain sensitive
  • Complaints on Achilles tendon still remain
  • Infection of the Achilles tendon

Expectations

Treatment often has good results, resulting in lasting pain relief and improved function. Usually a considerable improvement is achieved: 70-80% of patients were satisfied or very satisfied.

Sometimes the treatment is not what you had expected. Please consult our clinic if any question or may complication occur.  

Frequent asked questions (FAQ)

Is Achilles tendonitis always calcification in the tendon?
No, it has to do with degeneration of the tissue near the tendon attachment on the kneecap. Minor tendon tears can occur, which locally reduced blood flow and are difficult to heal. Overload is often the cause. This can be through sports, but is also seen in obesity.

 Does the GPS ® material based on my own blood?
Yes, only your own blood will be used.

Is the treatment ensured?
Yes, this treatment is ensured

I have already several treatments. Is GPS® treatment still possible?
Yes, in most of the cases

Prepare yourself by reading all the information given. For any questions please telephone or email contact with Orthopedium.