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Contents
  • Physical Examination Techniques
  • Role of Imaging in Diagnosis
  • When to Use Diagnostic Tests

How is Achilles Tendon Pain Diagnosed?

How is Achilles Tendon Pain Diagnosed?

The Big Picture

Diagnosing Achilles tendon pain accurately is crucial for effective treatment. Discover the tests and exams that can pinpoint the problem.
Contents
  • Physical Examination Techniques
  • Role of Imaging in Diagnosis
  • When to Use Diagnostic Tests

Physical Examination Techniques

The physical examination of the Achilles involves palpating the tendon to check for tenderness, thickening, or defects. The patient is often asked to lie prone with their feet hanging off the table to assess for swelling, bruising, and foot alignment. The Thompson test, which involves squeezing the calf to check for plantarflexion, is a key test for detecting ruptures.

Role of Imaging in Diagnosis

While Achilles tendinopathy can often be diagnosed clinically, imaging helps confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions. Ultrasound is a common choice, revealing tendon thickening or tears. MRI is used when more detailed anatomical information is needed, especially if ultrasound findings are unclear.
Achilles tendon pain is diagnosed using physical examinations and imaging techniques to identify tenderness, thickening, or tears in the tendon.

When to Use Diagnostic Tests

Diagnostic imaging is recommended when physical exam findings are inconclusive or when a serious injury is suspected. It is especially useful in cases of suspected tendon rupture or when the patient does not respond to initial treatment. Imaging might also be considered if the patient has unusual symptoms or risk factors.

FAQs

What is the Thompson test?

It’s a test for detecting Achilles tendon ruptures by checking for plantarflexion.

When is imaging necessary?

Imaging is used when physical exams are inconclusive.

What does an ultrasound show?

It reveals tendon thickening, tears, or other abnormalities.

Is MRI better than ultrasound?

MRI provides more detailed anatomical information than ultrasound.

Wrapping Up

Accurate diagnosis is the first step to effective treatment.
Find out more about diagnostic tests with Doctronic!
Additional References
  1. Pass B, Robinson P, Ha A, et al. The Achilles Tendon: Imaging Diagnoses and Image-Guided Interventions-AJR Expert Panel Narrative Review. AJR Am J Roentgenol 2022; 219:355.
  2. Hartgerink P, Fessell DP, Jacobson JA, van Holsbeeck MT. Full- versus partial-thickness Achilles tendon tears: sonographic accuracy and characterization in 26 cases with surgical correlation. Radiology 2001; 220:406.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.