A pilot study exploring the use of hyaluronic acid in treating insertional achilles tendinopathy

Nissim Ohana*, David Segal, Eugene Kots, Viktor Feldman, Meir Nyska, Ezequiel Palmanovich, Omer Slevin

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: This study explores the use of ultrasound-guided Hyaluronic Acid (HA) injections for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy (IAT). Methods: A cohort of 15 ankles diagnosed with IAT received three weekly ultrasound-guided HA injections. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment – Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire scored the severity of symptoms and functional impairment before treatment, and at one and six months post-treatment. Results: Significant improvement was observed in VISA-A scores post-treatment, rising from an average baseline of 34.8 ± 15.2 (11-63) to 53.6 ± 20.9 (15-77) after one month, and then to 50.7 ± 18.6 (20-75) after six months. No adverse reactions were noted, underscoring the safety of the intervention. Conclusion: The pilot study presents HA injections as a potentially effective treatment for IAT, while interpretation of these findings must take into account the variability in results, indicating a range of patient responses. It encourages further research to confirm these findings and to explore HA’s full potential in managing IAT, despite the limitations of a small sample size and lack of control group.

Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Surgery
Volume32
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 1 Jan 2024

Keywords

  • achilles tendinopathy
  • chronic pain management
  • functional improvement
  • heel pain
  • hyaluronic acid
  • injection therapies
  • musculoskeletal injections
  • non-surgical intervention
  • pilot study
  • ultrasound therapy

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