Contents
Healing Your Ankle: Effective Treatments for Tendinopathy
Published: Nov 18, 2023
Ankle tendinopathy can be frustrating, but with the right approach, you can get back on your feet. Let's explore the most effective treatments available.
Rest and Support
The first step in treating ankle tendinopathy is often relative rest. This means avoiding activities that aggravate your symptoms while staying active in ways that don't cause pain. Your doctor may recommend using a walking boot, ankle brace, or taping techniques to support your ankle and reduce stress on the affected tendon.
Physical Therapy: The Cornerstone of Treatment
Physical therapy is crucial for recovering from ankle tendinopathy. A key component is eccentric strengthening exercises, which involve slowly lengthening the affected tendon under load. These exercises help remodel the damaged tendon tissue. Your therapist will also work on improving your ankle flexibility and overall biomechanics.
Pain Management
To help manage pain, your doctor may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs. Ice can help reduce pain and swelling, especially after activity. Some doctors use topical nitroglycerin patches, which may help promote tendon healing, though evidence for this is limited.
Advanced Treatments
For stubborn cases, additional treatments may be considered. These might include shockwave therapy, which uses sound waves to stimulate healing, or platelet-rich plasma injections, which involve injecting a concentration of your own platelets to promote tissue repair. In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, surgery may be an option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Recovery typically takes 6-12 weeks, but can vary based on severity and treatment adherence.
Low-impact activities are often okay, but always consult your doctor or physical therapist first.
They're sometimes used for short-term pain relief, but can potentially weaken tendons long-term.
Surgery is rarely needed and only considered if conservative treatments fail after several months.
Yes, which is why ongoing exercises and activity modifications are important for prevention.
A Personalized Approach
The best treatment plan for ankle tendinopathy is tailored to your specific needs and may combine several approaches for optimal healing.
References
- Rees JD, Maffulli N, Cook J. Management of tendinopathy. Am J Sports Med 2009; 37:1855.
- Murtaugh B, Ihm JM. Eccentric training for the treatment of tendinopathies. Curr Sports Med Rep 2013; 12:175.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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