can i get disability for achilles tendonitis

Do you have a Social Security Disability case? Tendonitis is when a tendon swells (becomes inflamed) after a tendon injury. In extreme cases untreated tendinitis can cause the tendon to rupture, requiring surgery. The tears in your tendon fibers can cause a complete or partial break (or tear) in your tendon. If the tendon is overused or injured, it can become sore and achy. other information we have about you. An old Connecticut Ag Experiment, Growing Tom Wagner's Varieties of Tomatoes: A Gardener's Guide With Tips & Advice, Tom Wagner is a renowned horticulturist who has created several varieties of tomatoes, including the popular "Fort Vancouver Yellow Pear", "Pennsylvania Catchfly", "Santa Anna" and "Sunspot". It may include: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief (such as, ibuprofen or naproxen), Specific exercises to strengthen your calf muscles. Depending on the severity of the tendonitis, you may need to rest the tendon anywhere from days to months. This therapy uses either low- or high-energy shockwaves applied to the Achilles tendon to promote healing of the damaged tendon tissue. If nonsurgical treatments dont provide relief, talk to your provider about surgery for Achilles tendinitis. Achilles Tendinitis. Click here for an email preview. Additionally, they may be less effective in patients with extensive tendon damage. To stretch the calf muscles and the heel cord, push your hips toward the wall in a controlled fashion. Achilles tendon pain stems from the fact that, like all tendons, the Achilles tendon is strong, but not very flexible. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. Anatomy and Physiology. Injury to the Achilles tendon causes pain along the back of your leg near the heel. If you applied for disability benefits and need help appealing the VAs decision, contact the Veteran attorneys at Berry Law. Rest the tendon. If you have received a denial notice, we are prepared to file an appeal on your behalf at no upfront cost to you. In: DeLee & Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Principles and Practice. The SSA may question that you are in severe pain if you have not sought treatment for your condition on a ongoing basis. in or caused by the rupture, Achilles tendon, left treated on 7/25/2008 (see tabbed STR in VBMS). However, tendonitis caused by age is not eligible for compensation by the VA. To get VA disability for tendonitis, you must be able to show the VA three elements. Tendonitis is most often accompanied by pain in the joint of the affected tendon. Achilles tendonitis (sometimes spelled tendinitis) is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. ModerateVA Disability Rating: 10%. Treatment depends on how badly injured your tendon is. Resting assists in the prevention of further damage to the tendon. A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts a cushion between bones, tendons, joints and muscles. One disability that many Veterans do not realize could be related to their military service is tendonitis. All rights reserved. Lower scores were an indication of disability. "Achilles tendon" produced 4,123 hits at the BVA web site- I dont have time to read any- but I do suggest that-this could possibly be a secondary condition due to the SC ankles- or you could claim (I would raise both potential issues in the claim- that if not secondary -the achilles tendon is aggravated by the SC ankle condition. Surgery may be needed to remove tendon scar tissue. Most cases of Achilles tendinitis can be treated with relatively simple, at-home care under your doctor's supervision. Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons, which connects the muscle to bone, and can be caused by repetitive movement over a long period of time. This type of tendonitis can happen at any age, even in people who are not active. The joints in the body are the connecting force that allows the ability to move without discomfort. Achilles Tendon Injury Symptoms. Eccentric Strengthening. In the case of unresolved calcific tendonitis, Prolotherapy can help heal the injured tendons or soft tissues that are causing the body to deposit calcium. How much is VA disability for Achilles tendonitis?The veteran's service-connected right and left Achilles tendonitis are each rated as 20 percent disabling, and her service-connected right and left Achilles tendon scarring are each rated as 10 percent disabling. Berry Law is Americas Veterans Law Firm. 4.71a . You don't have to be an athlete or work in a physical job to get a tendonitis injury. The pain associated with Achilles tendinitis typically begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg or above the heel after running or other sports activity. This inflammation can cause pain and limited range of motion, especially with certain wrist movements. While tendonitis can start out as a mildly irritating problem, if you repeatedly aggravate the affected area, it could lead to more . Infection can be challenging to treat because of the location of the Achilles tendon. For ankle or achilles tendonitis, specifically, the VA assigns a disability rating depending on the severity of your tendonitis. Once the unhealthy portion of the tendon is removed, the remaining tendon can be reattached to the heel bone. Sometimes you may get a flat feet VA disability due to an original diagnosis of achilles tendonitis. age of 45 in many cases.Increasing age predisposes an individual to tendonitis because as the tendons age, the collagen within them becomes less durable, predisposing them to injury more easily.Achilles tendonitis is considered chronic if symptoms last greater than three months. So, it is often pretty easy to determine what type of tendonitis you are dealing with. Noninsertional tendinitis more commonly affects younger, active people, especially runners. The insurance carrier's consultant testified to a 22.5% Schedule Loss of Use to the foot/ankle. These tests can also help your doctor ascertain the severity of your Achilles tendinitis. Eccentric calf-strengthening exercises stiffen and lengthen the myotendinous unit, reducing neovascularization in the tendon. X-rays provide clear images of bones. With CopperJoint Ankle Wrap and Ankle Compression Sleeve, you can now get the pain relief you need to get back on track. Then talk to your provider about next steps. There are two ways which you can follow to use apple cider vinegar. Tendonitis can be caused by a variety of different movements and injuries. Your doctor will discuss the procedure that best meets your needs. Your Achilles tendon withstands a lot of stress and pressure during everyday activities, as well as during athletic and recreational play. Achilles tendinopathy is a common cause of disability. The Achilles tendon surgery recovery can take quite a long time. You don't have to stay off the foot entirely, but you should avoid running, stair climbing, and other high-impact sources of stress to the tendon. In most cases of Achilles tendinitis, nonsurgical treatment options will provide adequate pain relief, although it may take a few months for symptoms to completely subside. Exercises often help too. Swim: Achilles tendonitis can be aggravated with running, walking, stairmaster, aerobic exercises. Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury that occurs when the tendon is subjected to excessive stress, such as from repetitive running or jumping. What medications can help me feel better? Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 05/12/2021. Harvest Delicious Red Tomatoes with Red Rocket in Hot Climates South of Memphis, Tomatoes are a popular and versatile crop that can be grown in many climates, but it is important to choose the right variety for your climate. Minimally invasive surgery has been increasing in popularity for treatment of many musculoskeletal conditions. There is a problem with Most pain in the Achilles tendon may be classified as tendinosis because this pain is related to tendon degeneration rather than inflammation. Summary. Wear: Other nonsurgical treatments that can help: Brisement is a treatment option in earlier stages of Achilles tendinitis, before it progresses to Achilles tendinosis. This is a surgical lengthening of the calf (gastrocnemius) muscles. Repetitive motions are also very painful and may worsen the bursitis. information submitted for this request. More-serious cases of Achilles tendinitis can lead to tendon tears (ruptures) that may require surgical repair. You may need surgery. You might notice that parts of your tendon are getting thicker, and hardening, because of tendonitis. Recent studies have shown improvement in pain and function with ESWT, especially when combined with other nonsurgical treatments such as eccentric exercises. Whether or not you qualify for disability and, as a result, are approved for disability benefits will depend entirely on the information obtained from your medical records. This causes pain and swelling. In noninsertional Achilles tendinitis, fibers in the middle portion of the tendon (above where it attaches to the heel) are affected. Is the veteran's current left Achilles tendonitis at least as likely. Sign up for free, and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID-19, plus expertise on managing health. In cases where more than 50% of the Achilles tendon must be removed, the remaining portion of the tendon is not strong enough to function alone. Appointments 216.444.2606. After debridement and repair, most patients are allowed to walk in a removable boot or cast within 2 weeks, although the timeline depends on the amount of damage to the tendon. Achilles tendinitis is a common condition that occurs when the large tendon that runs down the back of the lower leg becomes irritated and inflamed. Episodes of more-severe pain may occur after prolonged running, stair climbing or sprinting. If . The DBQ for knee and lower leg impairments includes the following as potential diagnoses for compensable conditions: -Knee strain. Symptoms. But get treatment as soon as you feel symptoms. To back track just a bit, you should know that there were a total of 340 patients who had this surgery for an acute Achilles tendon rupture. - Then add apple cider vinegar to the hot water. All material on this website is protected by copyright. Insertional Achilles tendinitis involves the lower portion of the tendon, where it attaches (inserts) to the heel bone (also known as the calcaneus). It takes 60 days for Red Rocket tomatoes to reach maturit, Starting Seeds with Cactus Mix: Challenges and Tips for Optimal Results, Using cactus mix for seed starting is an interesting idea, but it has its own set of challenges. Although tendonitis is a condition that causes chronic pain, it is not a listed impairment in the SSA's Blue Book. It's also common in middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball, only on the weekends. However, it is important to note that you can also receive service connection for tendonitis on a secondary basis. Exercises often help too. Promix HP (High Porosity) is a popular choice for seedlings as it is very dry. Conclusions: Although Achilles tendon problems are classically considered frequent in active individuals from . If youve tried nonsurgical methods for six months and youre still in pain, talk to your provider. Achilles Tendon Surgery. An inability to stand on the toes on the injured leg. Using the medication for more than 1 month should be reviewed with your primary care doctor. http://www.orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00147. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. For instance, Occasionally, cortisone injections can cause the tendon to tear. Tendonitis can affect any tendon, but it is commonly seen in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, and knees. This acute (sudden) injury occurs when the tendon stretches to its breaking point. Over time, the fibers may begin to break down and develop tiny tears. Masks are required inside all of our care facilities. It may be covered under Workers' Compensation. from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon in the morning, Pain along the tendon or back of the heel that worsens with activity, Bone spur formation (insertional tendinitis), Swelling that is present all the time and gets worse throughout the day or with activity, Pain on the back of the heal when you wear shoes, Swelling along the Achilles tendon or at the back of your heel, Bone spurs or pain near the lower part of the tendon at the back of your heel (insertional tendinitis), Pain in the middle of the tendon, (noninsertional tendinitis), Limited range of motion in your ankle specifically, a decreased ability to point your toes downward. The Achilles tendon gives your leg strength to walk, run and jump. -Knee joint osteoarthritis. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. Lean forward against a wall with one knee straight and your heel on the ground. Generally, this will involve undergoing a residual function capacity or RFC assessment. It connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and is used when you walk, run, climb stairs, jump, and stand on your tip toes. A strict 12-week heel drop exercise program is effective in chronic, stubborn cases. This muscle-tendon combo helps you move your feet while walking or running, and the injury to this tendon may need a surgical repair. 4th ed. Results of Achilles tendinitis surgery are generally very good. Some people still experience pain after surgery. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. This article will focus on Achilles tendinitis rather than Achilles tendon rupture. Place the other leg in front, with the knee bent. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. . Protect your tendon. PHVsPgogIDxsaT48c3Bhbj5ObyB1cCBmcm9udCBjb3N0IHRvIGhpcmUgdGhlIGZpcm0gYW5kIHlvdSBwYXkgdXMgbm90aGluZyB1bmxlc3Mgd2Ugb2J0YWluIGJlbmVmaXRzIGZvciB5b3UuPC9zcGFuPjwvbGk+CiAgPGxpPjxzcGFuPlVuYWJsZSB0byBjb21lIHRvIG91ciBvZmZpY2U/IEhvbWUgdmlzaXRzIGFyZSBhdmFpbGFibGUgdXBvbiByZXF1ZXN0Ljwvc3Bhbj48L2xpPgogIDxsaT48c3Bhbj5XZSBjYW4gYWxzbyBzdGFydCB5b3VyIGNsYWltIHZpYSBvdXIgMjQvNyBsaXZlIGNoYXQgb3IgZW1haWw8L3NwYW4+PC9saT4KPC91bD4=, 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, PGlmcmFtZSBzcmM9Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lmdvb2dsZS5jb20vbWFwcy9lbWJlZD9wYj0hMW0xOCExbTEyITFtMyExZDMzMjcuNjU3OTA4NDIzNzg1NiEyZC0xMTIuMDc1NDQ4OTg0Nzk5ODIhM2QzMy40ODQyNTYxODA3NjQzNSEybTMhMWYwITJmMCEzZjAhM20yITFpMTAyNCEyaTc2OCE0ZjEzLjEhM20zITFtMiExczB4ODcyYjEyNWZiNmExYjQxNSUzQTB4NTIzOTdmNjcxMDkwNzg0MSEyczMxMDElMjBOJTIwQ2VudHJhbCUyMEF2ZSUyMCUyMzExMDAlMkMlMjBQaG9lbml4JTJDJTIwQVolMjA4NTAxMiE1ZTAhM20yITFzZW4hMnN1cyE0djE2MTY1Mjc4NTg2NjIhNW0yITFzZW4hMnN1cyIgd2lkdGg9IjEwMCUiIGhlaWdodD0iMzAwIiBzdHlsZT0iYm9yZGVyOjA7IiBhbGxvd2Z1bGxzY3JlZW49IiIgbG9hZGluZz0ibGF6eSI+PC9pZnJhbWU+, 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, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is intended to supplement the income of people who are too disabled to be employed. Claimed condition: left Achilles tendonitis. document.getElementById('copyright').appendChild(document.createTextNode(new Date().getFullYear())) PTSD Lawyers | Berry Law Firm. I tried to look at other similar C&P's as a reference, but i couldnt find any close to mine. Once mastered with a therapist, the exercises can then be done at home. We also discuss how to identify the cause and the best treatments for each type of pest. The combination of these factors leads tendon . If it's overly stressed, you can get Achilles tendinitis, the main cause of Achilles tendon pain. The two types of Achilles tendinitis describe which part of the tendon is affected: Achilles tendon disorders are common sports injuries. information is beneficial, we may combine your email and website usage information with The risk of tendonitis, or how severe tendonitis is when it occurs, can be lowered by: . But when tendons become damaged, irritated, or inflamed, it can Tendonitis or tendinitis, is a condition in which the tendons in the joint become inflamed and irritated. Swimming is an excellent way to get cardio exercise in while not stressing the achilles tendon. Keep your muscles active by staying in shape all year round. A tight Achilles tendon can rub on the prominent bone, causing an inflamed retrocalcaneal bursa. Gardeners around the world have been growing these varieties for the past 8-10 years and are sharing their experiences with others. The pain is worse with movement and usually get better with rest or treatment. Supportive shoes, heel lifts or custom orthotics. Here is an excerpt from Wikipedia on tendinitis (tendinosis): "Treatment of tendon injuries is largely conservative. More chronic injuries often respond better to heat. After everything is reviewed and finalized, you will be given a combined rating. Without treatment, this condition can become a long-term problem, increasing the chances of breaking (rupturing) the Achilles tendon. Common causes of Achilles tendon pain are: Tendinitis is when a tendon becomes irritated or inflamed. To find out, contact us today for a free consultation. Participate in sports less frequently (weekend warriors), leaving their bodies less used to the stress. Achilles tendinitis is different than an Achilles rupture, a condition where the tendon becomes separated off the heel bone or completely torn in half. the unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Typically, the pain becomes worse when there is movement in the joint where pain occurs. Avoid walking up steep inclines or overstretching the tendon, such as by standing on a ladder rung. Your doctor will use MRI most often to see how severe the tendon damage is and what treatment is best for you. In most cases, you will be seen in the office for a couple of weeks after surgery. They do not, however, reduce the thickening of the degenerated tendon. Achilles tendonitis causes. If you perform repetitive movements as part of your job, tendonitis can significantly impact your ability to work. But sometimes, your tendon can be damaged and not functioning properly without being inflamed. Achilles tendonitis treatment. If you have Achilles tendon pain, talk to your healthcare provider. Self-care strategies are usually necessary to prevent recurring episodes. The Law Judge ruled that the injured worker suffered from a 65% Schedule Loss of Use to the foot. -Patellar or quadriceps tendon rupture. It is frequently caused by calf muscle tightness, which places increased stress on the Achilles tendon insertion. Copyright 1995-2021 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Despite the economic and social relevance of the problem, the causes and mechanisms of Achilles tendinopathy remain unclear. The type of surgery depends on the location and amount of damage to the tendon and other factors, such as the severity of the tendonitis. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. The body begins to lose its rapid regenerative capacity seen in our youth, and yet many people remain athletically active and put a high strain on the body's ligaments and muscles. The information you obtain on this website is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. The first evidence of record of Achilles tendon pain is when the veteran reported a painful left Achilles tendon in his June 1998 report of medical history. Apparently based on what the rep told me at my RO today, I was denied, again, for service connection for my Achilles tendonitis, despite having and LOD and tons of medical evidence from my military and VA records to the contrary. Tendonitis is typically rated under 38 CFR 4.71, Schedule of Ratings - Musculoskeletal System, Diagnostic Codes (DC) 5270 or 5271. It may take a few months for the pain to get better especially if youve already had symptoms for a few months. Other factors can also make a person more likely to develop Achilles tendinitis, including: Haglund's deformity is when there is abnormal bone growth near where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. Its very strong, but overstressing it can injure it. Achilles tendinitis treatment includes rest, physical therapy and supportive shoes. In cases of severe noninsertional Achilles tendinitis, X-rays may show calcification in the middle portion of the tendon. Clicking, Swollen Thumbs and Wrists. Play sports, especially sports that involve quick stops and starts. The veteran is claiming his current left Achilles tendonitis was incurred. Splint at night to help the Achilles tendon stay stretched while you sleep. information and will only use or disclose that information as set forth in our notice of Treatment records from June and July 2001 reflect the veteran's complaint of left Achilles tendon pain, and the veteran was diagnosed with Achilles tendonitis. The strength and flexibility of this tendon are important for jumping, running, and walking. Receiving continuous medical treatment after being diagnosed with tendonitis is also important in order to establish your credibility. Antibiotic use. -Knee meniscal tear. Tom Wagner's varieties of tomatoes have been a hit among gardeners for years. This gives the tendon a chance to rest before initiating therapy. This tendon is removed from the bottom of the big toe and reattached to the heel. Some common forms of tendonitis include: If you are dealing with tendonitis related to military service, youre entitled to a disability rating for the condition. Occasionally an infection can cause tendinitis, especially infection from a cat or dog bite to the hand or a finger. Exercises you can do at home, such as calf stretches. We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. Even with early treatment, the pain may last longer than 3 months. In the morning, with improvement throughout the day. You may need surgery if the symptoms don't go away. Thanks for the question - this is one that we get frequently! Seek immediate medical attention if the pain or disability is severe. Its in the back of the heel, connecting the heel bone to the calf muscle.Tendons are the long, tough, ropy and fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. Achilles tendon injuries can be treated with rest and medicines to help with the inflammation. If your pain is severe, your doctor may recommend a walking boot for a short time. Opinion Requested #2: Direct service connection. Your Achilles tendons, connecting your heel bones (calcaneus) to your back calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus), are the longest and strongest tendons in your body. Patients with an Achilles tendon rupture often present with complaints of a sudden snap in the lower calf associated with acute, severe pain. Free evaluation for disability benefits. For insertional Achilles tendinitis, removal of the bone spurs from the heel in addition to the damaged tendon tissue is commonly performed with good outcomes.