The efficacy of adjusting foot and ankle fixations in the treatment of sub-acute and chronic achilles tendonitis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of adjusting foot and ankle fixations compared to placebo in the treatment of sub-acute and chronic Achilles tendonitis. It is hypothesised that by adjusting those fixations in terms of the above would result in more of a significant improvement than placebo. Summary of the background data A search of the literature failed to reveal any studies on this topic. Study design A single blind, comparative, controlled study. MetllIods Forty subjects with sub-acute or chronic Achilles tendonitis were randomly divided into two different groups (Group 1 = 21 patients, Group 2 = 19). The ages ranged from 15 to 60 years. The first group received adjustments to any fixations present in the foot and ankle, whilst the second group received placebo (detuned ultrasound) only. Both groups received six interventions over a maximum period of four weeks. Subjective measurements were the McGill Short Form Pain Questionnaire and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale-l 01, and the objective measurements included algometer readings to assess pain threshold and goniometer readings to measure ankle dorsiflexion range of motion. All assessments were taken at the 1st, 2nd , 3rd, and final interventions. Results Significant improvements were detected between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of percentage pain intensity between the 1st and 3rd and 1st and final visit. Significant improvements were detected between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of pain threshold between the 1st and 2nd , 1st and 3rd and 1st and final visit. Significant improvements were detected between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of pain experienced (quality and intensity), between the 1st and 3rd, and 1st and final visit. Significant improvements were detected between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion between the 1st and 3rd, 1st and final visit. Statistical analysis within Group 1 showed significant improvements in pain experienced (quality and intensity) between the 1st and 2nd, 1st and 3rd, and 1st and final visits. Significant improvements were noted in ankle dorsiflexion range of motion between the 1st and 2nd, and 3rd, and 1st and final visits. Significant differences were observed in percentage pain intensity between the 1st and 2nd, 1st and 3rd, and 1st and final visits. Significant increases in pain threshold were noted between the 1st and 2nd, 1st and 3rd, and 1st and final visits.