A pilot study exploring the use of hyaluronic acid in treating insertional achilles tendinopathy

Abstract

Purpose This study explores the use of ultrasound-guided Hyaluronic Acid (HA) injections for Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy (IAT). Methods A cohort of 15 ankles diagnosed with IAT received three weekly ultrasound-guided HA injections. The Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment – Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire scored the severity of symptoms and functional impairment before treatment, and at one and six months post-treatment. Results Significant improvement was observed in VISA-A scores post-treatment, rising from an average baseline of 34.8 ± 15.2 (11-63) to 53.6 ± 20.9 (15-77) after one month, and then to 50.7 ± 18.6 (20-75) after six months. No adverse reactions were noted, underscoring the safety of the intervention. Conclusion The pilot study presents HA injections as a potentially effective treatment for IAT, while interpretation of these findings must take into account the variability in results, indicating a range of patient responses. It encourages further research to confirm these findings and to explore HA’s full potential in managing IAT, despite the limitations of a small sample size and lack of control group.