Pain in the Achilles tendon is quite common in individuals who participate in sports It is also common, however, in nonathletic individuals, particularly in persons of middle age who are of heavier weight Treating this condition can be very challenging. It is seen most commonly in the mid-portion of the tendon. The pathologic changes that occur to an Achilles tendon under repetitive stress will initially be a disruption of collagen fibers that have been unable to adapt to the persistent demand. This results in a cascade of events that, if left unchecked, will ultimately lead to significant pain and dysfunction. Repetitive loading leads to tendon degeneration, manifested as loss of normal collagen patterns and replacement of normal tissue with disorganized arrays of collagen and proliferative extracellular matrix. The tendon becomes infiltrated with mucoid material, calcification, fibrocartilage, and lipid droplets.~Historically, one of the most well-established exercise regimens for Achilles tendinopathy is eccentric strength training. Eccentric exercise has been shown to improve tendon structure, which historically was considered a mechanism for improvement in some persons with Achilles tendinopathy.~Nitric oxide is a small-free radical generated by a family of enzymes, the nitric oxide synthases. In a series of experiments performed over the last 15 years, nitric oxide played a crucial beneficial role in restoring tendon function. Oxygen free radicals, in the correct dose, stimulated fibroblast proliferation. Nitric oxide can enhance tendon healing. Nitric oxide is 1 of the 10 smallest molecules. Its size and its high reactivity allow it to travel across nearly all biologic structures and to readily react with other atoms or molecules to effect a change.~so the aim of our study to compare between Phonophoresis with topical glyceryl trinitrate and eccentric strength training in treatment of Achilles tendinopathy
The aim of study is to investigate the effect of Phonophoresis with topical glyceryl trinitrate versus traditional treatment in in patients with non-insertional Achilles tendinopathy.