Achilles' Heels
This classic sign occurs when the tendon feels stiff upon taking the first steps in the morning.
What is morning stiffness
True or False: You must stop all activity immediately and rest completely until the pain is gone.
What is False
(Passive rest can make the tendon weaker).
This physical test is used to check for a complete tendon rupture by squeezing the calf.
What is the Thompson test
This term describes pain and structural changes in the tendon, often used instead of "tendinitis" to indicate a lack of acute inflammation.
What is Tendinopathy
Achilles injuries are 10 times more common in people who do this high-impact activity.
What is Running
This common treatment is effective for pain but may actually slow down long-term tendon healing if used excessively.
What are NSAIDs
(Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
This test involves standing on one leg and performing repeated calf raises to check for pain and weakness.
What is the Single Leg Heel Raise Test
This type of Achilles tendinopathy occurs 2–6 cm above the heel bone, commonly in younger athletes.
What is Mid-portion Achilles Tendinopathy
This is the most common cause of Achilles tendinopathy, often described as "too much, too soon."
What is Overuse
True or False: If a rehab exercise hurts a little bit (e.g., 3/10 pain), you must stop immediately.
What is False
(Some load-induced pain is okay during exercise).
This specific outcome measure asks patients to report pain during hopping to assess tendon loading capacity.
What is the Hop test
This type of Achilles tendinopathy is located at the point where the tendon attaches to the heel bone.
What is Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy
This metabolic condition can increase the risk of tendon problems.
While stretching is often recommended, this activity is more important for treating tendinopathy.
What is Strengthening/Loading
This test is positive if the patient feels pain when the examiner squeezes the sides of the tendon insertion.
What is the Pinch test
These are the three continuous stages of tendon damage: Reactive, Tendon Disrepair, and this.
What is Degenerative Tendinopathy
These three NBA legends all notoriously struggled with Achilles tendinopathy or tears late in their careers.
Who are Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Larry Bird