Statins are widely prescribed cholesterol-lowering medications with clear benefits for the heart, but they can occasionally cause side effects, including musculoskeletal pain. One link gaining increasing attention is between Achilles tendonitis and statins, including a possible association with rosuvastatin. As a sports medicine doctor, I see patients who develop unexpected tendon pain while taking [...]
Achilles paratenonitis (also known as Achilles paratendinitis) is a common but often under-recognised cause of acute Achilles pain. Unlike Achilles tendinopathy, which involves swelling of the tendon itself, paratenonitis is inflammation of the paratenon — a thin, sheath-like structure that surrounds the tendon and helps it move. It occurs in runners, jumpers, and court-sport [...]
Tendonitis is a common condition that affects the upper and lower body. While most cases of tendonitis will improve with conservative measures, such as modified activity and strengthening exercises, some cases are resistant to these treatments and may require surgery. The Tenex procedure UK is a minimally invasive approach that can potentially replace surgery. [...]
Kager's fat pad, also known as the pre-Achilles fat pad, is an important structure at the back of the ankle. Sometimes it's a direct source of pain, particularly in athletes and active people. More often, oedema within the fat pad is a sign of another problem, such as Achilles tendonitis. This article looks at [...]
The soleus muscle is a large, powerful, deep muscle in the calf, vital for everyday activities such as walking and running. Some people have an extra soleus muscle in the lower calf, called an accessory soleus muscle. Sometimes this accessory muscle causes problems, including unexplained pain in the calf and ankle. So what is [...]
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and the most commonly injured. Exercise therapy is the most effective treatment for Achilles tendonitis, but in complex cases, we add treatments to support it — and one of the best-evidenced is shockwave therapy. So what is it, and how well does shockwave therapy [...]
Running builds a stronger heart, lungs, and bones — but it loads the tendons hard, and the Achilles is especially vulnerable. Achilles tendonitis in runners is common, stubborn, and, contrary to popular belief, does not respond to complete rest. The most effective treatment is a progressive calf-strengthening programme. This guide sets out exactly how [...]
The Achilles tendon is the largest in the body, attaching the heel to the calf muscles. Because it bears huge forces, it's prone to both swelling and rupture. Men aged 25–40 have the highest risk of rupturing their Achilles tendon. The big question after a rupture is whether you need surgery — and the [...]
Pain behind the knee is one of the more challenging musculoskeletal problems. The causes are many — muscle tears, tendon injuries, nerve damage, and even blood clots. As with most problems, the key is an early, accurate diagnosis. So what causes pain behind the knee, and how do you find the cause? This is [...]
Pain at the back of the heel is common. Doctors call it posterior heel pain — meaning pain behind the heel rather than underneath it. There are several causes, including heel bursitis, Haglund's deformity, Achilles tendon bursitis and tendonitis, the plantaris tendon, and a calcaneal (bone) spur. So how do we find the exact [...]
