Question

Should I get shockwave therapy for achilles tendinosis?

Since my marathon in September, I have been experiencing left heel pain. After an MRI, my orthopedic sports physician diagnosed degenerative tendinosis of the left Achilles tendon. His advice was to limit activity, continue with NSAIDs, ice after exercising and regularly stretch the calf. He did not recommend surgery for now. Can you expand on this diagnosis and also offer me advice about surgery as well as shockwave treatments? Are you aware of any clinical trials for shockwave treatment of Achilles tendinosis? Would physical therapy help me return to running? What are the consequences of trying to continue my normal training?

Noreen Driscoll, Medford, OR