Q Following a partial tear in my Achilles tendon, the scar tissue thickened, resulting in stiffness, aches and swelling. I am due to have an operation to remove this scar tissue, which means that my leg will be immobilised for two weeks. I’m told

injury has probably left scar tissue on your Achilles, and once scar tissue has become inflexible and tight, it can be very difficult to mobilise. The efforts you have made to massage and stretch the tendon are good, but it may be worth discussing some

, and as you will probably be aware, healing occurs in two stages. Initially a thickened, inflexible scar join forms with nerve endings that rebel if stretched – causing pain. Only later does the scar tissue become more flexible and adapt to movement – so

UAN:151 Article type:--SymptomsYou’ll feel pain of course, particularly as you take off from the injured leg, and also after sleep when you first stretch the slightly-healed scar tissue that has formed overnight (a ‘drop-foot splint’ can keep

not be able to touch the painful area, as it is the back of the tendon near the patella which is most commonly affected. If you bend your knee, your doctor may be able to stretch the injured part – and it will hurt!Medical investigationsA soft-tissue x-ray may

have become injured. Treatment can involve electrical stimulation, ultrasound, contrasting heat and ice packs and manual manipulation of the joints, spine and soft tissues. Many chiropractors work in conjunction with other specialists such as sports

unless the condition becomes chronic, with the risk of the scar changing to bone (myositis ossificans). An x-ray will confirm whether bone is forming within the scar tissue.What else could it be?Other causes of pain in the thigh are rare, though

can ease apart scarred, healing tissues while the cooling effect continues to provide capilliary contraction and prevent further bleeding. Ice is the most valuable, yet least used and understood, method of healing sports injuries.C is for Compression

with the knee. If the kneecap is tight in certain directions, your therapist will want to mobilise it regularly so it resumes a normal movement pattern when you run. If the pain is below your kneecap, then soft-tissue massage may help with any scar tissue

healing occurs.The clotting process begins from the moment that bleeding occurs, as elements within the blood congeal and form fibrous scar tissue. This eventually reorganises itself, and the tissues can become almost as good as new, although much depends