In 2007, Norregaard, et. al., conducted study about Achilles tendon pain, which is also known as achillodynia, remains a challenge in terms of prognosis and effective treatment. In this study, the focus was on evaluating the lasting impact of eccentric exercises as compared to stretching exercises in managing patients with achillodynia.

Patients who had been grappling with achillodynia for a minimum of 3 months were enrolled in the study and randomly assigned to one of two exercise groups. Both exercise regimens were to be completed daily over a span of 3 months. The severity of symptoms was gauged using multiple parameters, including tendon tenderness, ultrasonography results, pain and symptom-related questionnaires, and an overall self-assessment of improvement. Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 3, 6, 9, and 12 weeks, as well as at the 1-year mark.

Out of the 53 patients initially enrolled with achillodynia, 45 were divided into two groups – eccentric exercises and stretching exercises. Over the course of the year-long follow-up, there was a gradual and significant amelioration of symptoms in both groups. After just 3 weeks, and at all subsequent evaluation points, participants from both groups reported a significant reduction in pain and other symptoms. However, no statistically significant disparities were identified between the two exercise groups. Notably, subgroups analysis revealed that individuals who were women and those experiencing symptoms originating from the distal part of the tendon exhibited comparatively less improvement.

This study underlines the marked improvement in both symptomatology and clinical findings that evolved over the 1-year follow-up period. The extent to which this improvement can be attributed to the efficacy of the exercise regimens, as opposed to the possibility of spontaneous recovery, remains an open question. The findings underscore the need for continued research to disentangle the contributions of the exercise interventions and inherent recovery mechanisms in tackling achillodynia. As a result, clinicians and patients alike are encouraged to consider exercise-based approaches as a potential cornerstone in the management of this challenging condition.

Reference: Nørregaard, J., Larsen, C. C., Bieler, T., & Langberg, H. (2007). Eccentric exercise in treatment of Achilles tendinopathy. Scandinavian journal of medicine & science in sports, 17(2), 133-138.