A 42 year old man came to our office struggling with Achilles Tendinitis. He was an avid runner and had been sidelined by an injury to his right ankle. When he tried to run he would have sharp, stabbing pain at the base of his Achilles tendon. This Achilles tendinitis case study will review what we did and how he got better.
Runner In Pain
Our patient had been running 25 miles a week for years. About a year ago he started feeling pain in his right ankle. The pain increased until he was unable to run. Doctors diagnosed him with Achilles tendinitis and gave him a set of 3 cortisone injections. These brought temporary relief, but after a few weeks the pain returned. At this point his doctor was recommending surgery.
On examination we immediately noticed that, in addition to pain and tenderness in and around the Achilles tendon, the patient had a cyst at the base of the tendon where it attached to the heel. He said the cyst had appeared at the same time the pain developed.
Treatment
Acupuncture treatment consisted of inserting hair-thin, sterile, single use needles on either side of the inflamed tendon, including needles all around the cyst. Electric acupuncture was used, which is similar to a Tens unit, but allows a gentle electric current to penetrate down through the needle into the affected area.
Electric acupuncture has been used since the 1950’s with great success. It enhances many pain treatments and we use it frequently in our acupuncture clinic.
From the very first treatment the patient started improving. After three treatments his pain was reduced 50% and the cyst had decreased in size 20%. After seven treatments his pain was completely gone and the cyst was 80% smaller. He was able to run without pain.
Follow Up
Six months later he was still running, still without pain. His treatment was complete. The cyst was still noticeable, but was not giving him any trouble.
Achilles Tendinitis Case Study – Conclusions
We treat a lot of tendinitis in our office. Elbow, shoulder and Achilles to name a few. Acupuncture works very efficiently to clear inflammation from tendons and resolve pain. It does so by increasing Qi and Blood circulation in the affected area.
If you have Achilles tendinitis, or any other type of tendinitis, try acupuncture.
BOOK NOW to schedule an appointment online.
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR ACHILLES TENDINITIS TREATMENT.
WATCH VIDEO ABOUT OUR ACHILLES TENDINITIS TREATMENT.
LEARN ABOUT ALL THE PAIN CONDITIONS WE TREAT.
What our Clients are Saying
I had terrible Achilles tendinitis for six months from playing too much tennis. The surgeon was pressing for surgery to “clean up” the tendon, but I just didn’t want to go there. I was referred to Raleigh Acupuncture by my sister, who went there for hip pain. She had great results so I tried. Thank goodness I did. They had my Achilles back to normal in less than a dozen treatments. I’m playing tennis again with absolutely no pain! I highly recommend them for Achilles issues.
I’m a runner and had been dealing with Achilles tendinitis for over a year. The doctor said I would have to have surgery eventually so I was just dealing with the pain and biding my time. Then a friend suggested acupuncture and recommended Raleigh Acupuncture as specializing in Achilles issues. I made and appointment and was impressed from the very beginning. Their evaluation was very thorough and they explained everything that acupuncture could do.
The treatments were comfortable, and more importantly, they eased my pain significantly. After six treatments I was running without any Achilles pain! I’ve totally put the idea of surgery out of my mind since I’m running without pain again. Anyone who has Achilles issues should speak with Raleigh Acupuncture. They can definitely help you.