Least Effective Exercises Slideshow

Medical Author:

Christopher C Nannini, MD

Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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Other Therapy

• Nonsurgical treatment involves extended casting, special braces, orthotics, and physical therapy.
• Avoids the normal complications and expenses of surgery.
• Some studies show the outcome is similar to surgery in regard to strength and function.
• There is risk of an over-lengthened tendon with inadequate tension.
• Extended immobilization can lead to more muscle weakness.
• Nonsurgical treatment has a higher incidence of re-rupture than surgical repair.
• Nonsurgical treatment is often used for nonathletes or for those with a general low level of physical activity who would not benefit from surgery. The elderly and those with complicating medical conditions should also consider conservative nonsurgical treatment.