Prevalence and factors associated with asymptomatic Achilles tendon pathology in male distance runners

Abstract

Objectives: This study investigated the prevalence of tendon pathology and associated factors in experienced, high mileage male endurance runners with no history of Achilles tendon pain. Design: Cross-sectional study. Setting: Achilles tendinopathy is a debilitating running injury affecting 50% of distance runners over their lifetime. It is diagnosed through a clinical examination and imaging, usually grey scale ultrasound (US) imaging. US imaging studies have shown that pathological changes can occur in asymptomatic individuals with no tendon pain. Participants: Thirty seven male runners who had never had Achilles tendon pain. Main outcome measures: Participants completed a running history ..