How long does it take for Achilles tendinopathy recovery?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 22-year-old male with 176 pounds of weight and six feet of height. I have underwent two ultrasound scans around four months ago. Both scans conclude a diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy and bursitis. Although the ultrasound scan showed minor Achilles bursitis, I was struggling to walk normally. Since then, I have been doing massages and stretches by myself to make it better, but I feel more pain when I do the stretches.

The doctor also prescribed anti-inflammatory medicines, but I stopped taking them after some time as I felt they were not helping much. I also include omega-3 fish oils in my diet. Previously, I thought Achilles tendinopathy was due to some bruising and trauma during football injuries, and I did not pay much attention to it. Since it was not resolved, I took a rest for around a year. My tendinopathy is healed completely, but bursitis is still there.

Please help me with some advice to help get me back to full fitness.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understood your concern and will help you with your query.

From the report or image attached (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity), I conclude that you are following the proper steps as advised by the physiotherapist. However, I suggest you have patience with treatment, as the last part takes more time to heal. Based on the information provided by you, I suggest you follow the instructions mentioned below

Dip your legs in hot water with one teaspoon of salt for ten minutes twice a day. You can also use a hot gel bag instead for ten minutes twice a day.
I suggest you apply Xeroflam gel (Diclofenac, Linseed oil, Methyl salicylate, and Menthol) 30 mg (milligrams) with light pressure for two to three times a day, then put on either a woolen or cotton sock over it. I also suggest you take a capsule of Pregabanyl (Pregabalin and Mecobalamin) 75 mg once at night. You can take it for seven to ten days or on alternate days. It will reduce pain and increase the strength of the tendon. I also suggest you take Serratiopeptidase (proteolytic enzyme) 5 mg once at night after dinner for seven days. I suggest you consult a specialist, talk with them, and take the medications with their consent.
Also, I suggest adding citrus food like lemon, orange, kiwi, and gooseberry to your diet to boost the healing process.

I hope this has helped you.

Please follow up if you have more doubts.

Thank you.