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Achilles tendon Myth 1:
The Achilles
tendon is the largest tendon in the human
body.
Reality: The Achilles tendon
is the thickest and strongest tendon in the human body, but
there are several other tendons that are longer: one in the
calf, one in the thigh, one in the forearm.
Source: O’Brien,
M. Functional anatomy and physiology of tendons (1992)
Clinical Sports Medicine 11:505-20
Achilles tendon Myth 2:
If my Achilles tendon hurts and I don’t have an Achilles
tendon rupture, then I must have Achilles
tendonitis.
Reality: It is probably not
Achilles tendonitis.
It is probably Achilles tendinosis (also know as
Achilles tendinopathy). Achilles tendonitis
is an inflammation: the Achilles tendon becomes filled with
inflamed cells. With Achilles tendinosis: a) there is no
evidence of inflammation, b) the injured areas of the
Achilles tendon have lost their normal glistening
appearance, and c) microscopic analysis of the collegen and
related fibers that make up the Achilles tendon reveal that
the cells are disorganized, degenerated, and scarred.
Source: Khan, K.M., Cook,
J.L., Bonar, F., Harcourt, P., Åstrom, M.(1999).
Histopathology of common tendinopathies: Update and
implications for clinical management. Sports Medicine 27,
393–408. Follow-up
editorial in the British Medical Journal: Time
to abandon the "tendinitis"
myth
Achilles tendon Myth 3:
Only one type of doctor is qualified to treat an Achilles
tendon injury.
Reality: Achilles tendon injuries
have been successfully treated by: family physicians /
general practitioners, podiatrists, orthopedists,
internists, and chiropractors. Within each of these
broad areas, it is worthwhile to select a doctor with
Achilles tendon experience and expertise.
Source: http://www.achillestendon.com/Specialists.html
Achilles tendon Myth
4:
The
Achilles tendon, Calcenean tendon, and heel cord are three
different body parts.
Reality: The Achilles tendon
is also known as the calcenean tendon and heel
cord.
Source: All major medical
dictionaries.
Achilles tendon Myth 5:
Each of the 125,000+ Achilles tendon web sites and web
pages are equally helpful and
informative.
Reality: Achilles tendon web
sites and Achilles tendon web pages vary
dramatically depending on: whether or not the site is
based on Achilles tendon medical and scientific research;
whether or not the site was reviewed by doctors, physical
therapists, and researchers who specialize in Achilles
tendon injuries; and whether or not the site is aimed at the
medical professional or people who suffer an Achilles tendon
injury.
Suggested best
Achilles tendon sites:
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Achilles Tendon Myths