Background: Heel pain is a common condition and often involves the Achilles tendon and is classified as insertional or non-insertional. Several operative and non-operative treatments have been described, but there is no consensus on the most effective therapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate a case series of patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy refractory to conservative treatment submitted to a single-dose ultrasound-guided injection of hyaluronic acid (40 mg/2.0 mL).
Methods: We prospectively included 25 patients (29 feet) who underwent a single ultrasound-guided injection of hyaluronic acid after conservative treatment failure. Clinical outcomes such as pain (using the Visual Analog Scale - VAS), function (using the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society - AOFAS score), personal satisfaction, and complications were evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using the R software.
Results: Most patients were female (80%) and there was a right-side predominance (55%). The median VAS was 8 points [range 4-10] at baseline, decreasing to 3 points [range 0-8] at the six-month follow-up, with statistical significance (p < .001). The median AOFAS score was 71 points [range 38-87] at baseline, increasing to 90 points [range 48-100] at the six-month follow-up (p < .001). The personal satisfaction level was 69%, and 48% of patients considered the result excellent. There were no Achilles tendon ruptures, infections, or allergic reactions post injection.
Conclusion: Single-dose injection of hyaluronic acid is a safe treatment option, improving function and reducing pain for six months in patients with insertional Achilles tendinopathy after conservative treatment failure.
Level of evidence: IV, case series.
Keywords: Achilles tendon; Conservative treatment; Hyaluronic acid.
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