Management of insertional tendinopathy of the Achilles tendon.

Posterior heel pain is common and disabling. Most cases respond to nonoperative treatment. The literature is confusing about the treatment rationale because many papers treat a variety of pathologies in the same way on an empirical basis. The authors critically review the literature with special reference to surgical treatment. The key to successful management of posterior heel pain is a proper understanding of the anatomy and pathological processes. Only then can appropriate treatment be recommended and proper advice about recovery times be offered to patients.