Association of Achilles Tendinitis and Tendinopathy with Knee Osteoarthritis among Older Adults

Background: Achilles tendon is a band of connective tissue, in some cases due to overuse activity, tendon may inflame which causes pain and irritation. Achilles tendinitis and tendinopathy is common in osteoarthritis because calf muscles become weak due to additional support they are providing to inflamed joint. Objective: The objective was to determine the prevalence and association of achilles tendinopathy and tendinitis in patients with knee osteoarthritis among older adults. Study Design: Cross sectional survey. Settings: Allied Hospital, District Headquarter Hospital, Madinah Teaching Hospital Faisalabad and Tehsil Headquarter Jaranwala Pakistan. Duration: February to June 2023. Methods: Study was conducted on 80 diagnosed knee osteoarthritic participants and onetime data was collected analyzed to check the association of Achilles tendinitis and tendinopathy with knee osteoarthritis among older adults. Data was assessed by using the VISA-A questionnaire to rule out the pain and functional limitations and Thompson test to evaluate the association of Achilles tendinopathy. Results: Descriptive statistics and frequency distribution was used for the demographic data. Correlation test was applied to analyze the association between Achilles tendinopathy and knee osteoarthritis. It showed that 16 out of 80 patients have Achilles tendinitis and tendinopathy when Thompson test was performed. Change in gait cycle, Pain and functional limitations were present in most patient according to score of visa-a questionnaire. Conclusion: The study revealed that there is no association between knee osteoarthritis and Achilles tendinopathy but association present on the basis of visa-a questionnaire.