Basic science and clinical aspects of achilles tendinopathy.

Achilles tendinopathy is one of the common disorders seen in athletes. It is a degenerative rather than an inflammatory, condition. There is a lifetime risk of 52% in former elite male distance runners. This condition is difficult to manage and up to 29% of Achilles tendinopathy patients may require surgery. It often results in chronic pain and discomfort along with failure to regain full function. It can be complicated by partial tears or complete rupture causing long-term burden on healthcare system and making treatment quite difficult.