Location
LSU Health Science Center - New Orleans
Event Website
https://alliedhealth.lsuhsc.edu/admin/sahpresearchday.aspx
Document Type
Event
Start Date
8-4-2024 3:00 PM
End Date
8-4-2024 5:00 PM
Description
Fluoroquinolones, a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics, have several adverse side effects, including Achilles tendinopathy and rupture. The mechanism is thought to be from inhibition of collagen synthesis leading to decreased tendon integrity. While there is no standardized treatment for fluoroquinolone-associated Achilles tendinopathy, it is recommended to discontinue medication and approach rehabilitation with increased caution. Current literature supports rehabilitation for Achilles tendinopathy to include four phases of exercises: isometric, isotonic and heavy slow resistance, increase in speed and energy storage, and sport specific. The purpose of this case report is to examine the relationship between fluoroquinolone use and Achilles tendinopathy and the effect on physical therapy treatment.
The patient selected for this case report is a 29-year-old female with 3-year history of bilateral Achilles tendinopathy that began after taking Levofloxacin, a type of fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Following 5 treatment sessions, the patient’s subjective improvements include decreased pain, ability to perform ADLs, and functional mobility as evidenced by the LEFS. Objectively, the patient made improvements with bilateral ankle ROM, strength, swelling via figure 8 measurement, joint mobility, and balance. Following conservative methods recommended in current research, the therapy interventions selected were effective in managing fluoroquinolone-associated Achilles tendinopathy. Isometric exercises were utilized for pain relief, isotonic exercises for muscle strength, tendon stiffness, and neuroplasticity, and heavy slow resistance training for strengthening the tendon matrix itself. Despite challenges in developing a specific care plan, future studies should focus on standardizing treatment protocols and exploring chronic tendon changes associated with fluoroquinolone use.
Recommended Citation
Andries, Claire, "The Effect of Fluoroquinolone use on the Development and Physical Therapy Rehabilitation of Achilles Tendinopathy: A Case Report" (2024). School of Allied Health Professions Research Day. 3.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2024/2024/3
Included in
The Effect of Fluoroquinolone use on the Development and Physical Therapy Rehabilitation of Achilles Tendinopathy: A Case Report
LSU Health Science Center - New Orleans
Fluoroquinolones, a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics, have several adverse side effects, including Achilles tendinopathy and rupture. The mechanism is thought to be from inhibition of collagen synthesis leading to decreased tendon integrity. While there is no standardized treatment for fluoroquinolone-associated Achilles tendinopathy, it is recommended to discontinue medication and approach rehabilitation with increased caution. Current literature supports rehabilitation for Achilles tendinopathy to include four phases of exercises: isometric, isotonic and heavy slow resistance, increase in speed and energy storage, and sport specific. The purpose of this case report is to examine the relationship between fluoroquinolone use and Achilles tendinopathy and the effect on physical therapy treatment.
The patient selected for this case report is a 29-year-old female with 3-year history of bilateral Achilles tendinopathy that began after taking Levofloxacin, a type of fluoroquinolone antibiotic. Following 5 treatment sessions, the patient’s subjective improvements include decreased pain, ability to perform ADLs, and functional mobility as evidenced by the LEFS. Objectively, the patient made improvements with bilateral ankle ROM, strength, swelling via figure 8 measurement, joint mobility, and balance. Following conservative methods recommended in current research, the therapy interventions selected were effective in managing fluoroquinolone-associated Achilles tendinopathy. Isometric exercises were utilized for pain relief, isotonic exercises for muscle strength, tendon stiffness, and neuroplasticity, and heavy slow resistance training for strengthening the tendon matrix itself. Despite challenges in developing a specific care plan, future studies should focus on standardizing treatment protocols and exploring chronic tendon changes associated with fluoroquinolone use.
https://digitalscholar.lsuhsc.edu/ahrd/2024/2024/3