achilles tendonitis

I have had a nagging bout of achilles tendonitis in my left achilles that has lasted about 12 weeks.  I talked to my family dr. about it and he gave me a steriod shot in my arm and put me on a low dose of prednisone for 2 weeks.  It took down the swelling and I felt no pain. But it did no last very long.  I have always been very active and an avid jazzerciser for many years and am on my feet ALL the time at work, However, my body fat percentage is a bit high-could the extra weight cause a strain on it?  For the past 2 weeks I have just done strength training at Jazzercise and it does feel better, but still swollen.  In a past post, I read that one of your drs recommended a PRP injection (platelet rich plasma) that would help.  I have thrombocytapenia and my platelets run around 50K-could that be why it is taking so long to heal?  Thank you so much for you time.

[Dr Vinod]

Hello,

Control your body weight and this helps and try to achieve 24-26 of the BMI recommended. You can start with proper diet initially.

As you are having chronic achilles issues talk to your physician about potentially using platelet rich plasma. Basic science data also supports its use. As always, review of all treatment options is best done with your treating doctor.

I would suggest you to rest and use ice packs. Wear proper adaptive foot wear, use heel pads to raise the heel and after proper healing you can stop wearing the pad.

Continue taking ibuprofen. Orthotics also help and change in training methods should be considered. Tape the back of the leg to support the tendon and go for a complete plaster cast if it is really bad. Try using ultrasound treatment, sports massage techniques can be tried.

Discuss all options with an expert orthopedician and continue your therapy.

Take care!