Achilles Tendonitis: Tampa Dr. Nelson Mane provides treatment with High Power Laser

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Free-Press-Release.com) January 20, 2009 --

Achilles Tendonitis is generally a condition which affects weekend warriors and athletes over 30. These individuals are participating in sports which typically include running and jumping. A tendon connects muscle to a bone. The Achilles tendon is located in the lower leg and connects the gastrocnemius and soleus to the heel. These are very powerful muscles in the calf. “Itis” is a suffix which means inflammation of. So in Achilles tendonitis we have an inflammation of the tendon which attaches the major calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel. The Achilles tendon is located posteriorly or on the back side of the lower leg.

In my practice the most difficult aspect associated with treating a patient suffering from Achilles tendonitis is that the patient (runner, soccer player, basketball player) doesn’t want to stop playing his particular sport or activity and wants to return to his chosen form of exercise and recreation immediately. Standard treatments for tendonitis include rest (to reduce inflammation), anti-inflammatory, Motrin, Aleve, (to reduce inflammation), ice, (to reduce inflammation) custom made orthotics may be used in order to reduce biomechanical stress on the Achilles tendon.

Physical therapies such as ultra sound and electric muscle stimulation may be used. Rehabilitation may include strengthening and stretching exercises.

High Power Laser Therapy is a little used but highly effective treatment in the treatment of Achilles tendonitis. Laser Therapy has been shown to increase bone and cartilage repair, accelerated healing, increase circulation, reduce inflammation and scar tissue as well as reduce pain. High Power Laser Therapy as a tool in the treatment of Achilles tendonitis that allows a properly trained physician with experience and training regarding treatment of biomechanical injuries to the lower extremity (leg) and High Power Laser Therapy can accelerate the athletes repair and return to their chosen activity. High Power Laser Therapy can also reduce the possibility of further injury by reducing the formation of scar tissue (a weaker grade of tissue) and repairing the Achilles tendon injury. Most doctors are not aware that High Power Laser Therapy exist and therefore cannot use this to help treat these patients. Below are a couple of articles from the scientific literature specifically dealing with Achilles tendonitis with laser therapy.


BACKGROUND: Eccentric exercises (EEs) are recommended for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy, but the clinical effect from EE has a slow onset. HYPOTHESIS: The addition of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to EE may cause more rapid clinical improvement. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. METHODS: A total of 52 recreational athletes with chronic Achilles tendinopathy symptoms were randomized to groups receiving either EE + LLLT or EE

achilles tendonitis     calf pain     Dr. Nelson Mane     heel pain     Mane Center