Background
The Achilles tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in the human body. It functions to plantarflex the ankle and transfer force to the foot from the calf muscles while walking and running. During the running gait cycle, the Achilles tendon stores elastic energy during the first half of the stance and releases energy during the second half, pushing the runner upward and forward.
Midpoint Achilles Tendinopathy is a class of diseases that affect the Achilles tendon, characterized by pain in the tendon, usually 1-2 inches above the heel. The pain is often accompanied by swelling of the area, thickening of the tendon, nodules along the tendon, and/or crepitus.
Achilles tendinopathy occurs in athletes competing in a variety of sports, especially sports involving repetitive loading such as running or jumping. In general, Achilles tendinopathy occurs because of overuse over a long period of time or a sudden increase in activity levels. Risk factors for athletes also include a sudden change in training surface, insufficient warm-up, poor flexibility, anatomic predisposition, age, or unsuitable shoe or shoe material.
Achilles tendinopathies can last a significant amount of time, from several days to years. For runners at all levels and abilities, missing training or competition due to injury is distressing. At the professional level, missing races due to injury can result in reduced compensation and possibly early retirement from the sport. Because Achilles tendinopathy is pervasive across broad demographics, all runners struggling with Achilles tendinopathies, including those at the recreational, scholastic, and professional levels, would benefit from an improved treatment modality that is highly accessible and simple to use.
Midpoint Achilles Tendinopathy is a class of diseases that affect the Achilles tendon, characterized by pain in the tendon, usually 1-2 inches above the heel. The pain is often accompanied by swelling of the area, thickening of the tendon, nodules along the tendon, and/or crepitus.
Achilles tendinopathy occurs in athletes competing in a variety of sports, especially sports involving repetitive loading such as running or jumping. In general, Achilles tendinopathy occurs because of overuse over a long period of time or a sudden increase in activity levels. Risk factors for athletes also include a sudden change in training surface, insufficient warm-up, poor flexibility, anatomic predisposition, age, or unsuitable shoe or shoe material.
Achilles tendinopathies can last a significant amount of time, from several days to years. For runners at all levels and abilities, missing training or competition due to injury is distressing. At the professional level, missing races due to injury can result in reduced compensation and possibly early retirement from the sport. Because Achilles tendinopathy is pervasive across broad demographics, all runners struggling with Achilles tendinopathies, including those at the recreational, scholastic, and professional levels, would benefit from an improved treatment modality that is highly accessible and simple to use.
Our Client- Mary Tarzon
|
Need Statement
There is a need for a midpoint Achilles tendinopathy treatment device targeting runners with Achilles pain that reduces the pain experienced while running or walking and reduces the time spent rehabilitating post injury.
Project Scope
Achilles tendinopathy is the third most common injury among runners. Current treatments, including icing, low level light therapy, and athletic taping, are minimally effective at decreasing time to recovery. There is a need for a midpoint Achilles tendinopathy treatment device targeting runners with Achilles pain that reduces the pain experienced while running or walking and reduce the time spent rehabilitating post injury. The device is intended to treat all levels of Achilles injury severity, from mild to chronic, and be of use during rehabilitation post-achilles surgery. Furthermore, it should be available to runners without access to physical therapy or athletic trainers. A portable, reusable, and user friendly device, along with a protocol for its use, will be delivered to the client by April 23, 2018.