A patient experiencing pain in the posterior aspect of their heel likely has which type of Achilles tendon disorder?

Prepare for the Arthrex Sports IOT Exam with comprehensive multiple-choice questions. Utilize flashcards and detailed hints for each question. Enhance your study process to ace the test and advance your professional knowledge!

The correct answer identifies insertional Achilles tendinitis as the likely condition for a patient experiencing pain in the posterior aspect of the heel. Insertional Achilles tendinitis occurs where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone (calcaneus), and this condition typically manifests as pain and inflammation in the region just above the heel at the tendon’s insertion point.

Patients with this type of tendinitis often report pain that intensifies with activity and may be particularly noticeable when walking or running. The posterior heel pain distinguishes it from other conditions affecting the Achilles tendon, as those, such as mid-substance Achilles tendinitis, commonly lead to discomfort in the mid-section of the tendon rather than at its attachment.

Furthermore, acute Achilles rupture usually presents with a sudden, sharp pain and may feel like a "pop" in the back of the heel, leading to immediate functional impairment, while Achilles bursitis primarily affects the bursa located adjacent to the tendon rather than the tendon insertion itself. This helps to reinforce the diagnosis of insertional Achilles tendinitis as the most fitting explanation for pain localized to the heel.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy