Treatment of tendinopathy: what works, what does not, and what is on the horizon.
Tendinopathy is a broad term encompassing painful conditions occurring in and around tendons in response to overuse. Recent basic science research suggests little or no inflammation is present in these conditions. Thus, traditional treatment modalities aimed at controlling inflammation such as corticosteroid injections and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDS) may not be the most effective options. We performed a systematic review of the literature to determine the best treatment options for tendinopathy. We evaluated the effectiveness of NSAIDS, corticosteroid injections, exercise-based physical therapy, physical therapy modalities, shock wave therapy, sclerotherapy, nitric oxide patches, surgery, growth factors, and stem cell treatment. NSAIDS and corticosteroids appear to provide pain relief in the short term, but their effectiveness in the long term has not been demonstrated. We identified inconsistent results with shock wave therapy and physical therapy modalities such as ultrasound, iontophoresis and low-level laser therapy. Current data support the use of eccentric strengthening protocols, sclerotherapy, and nitric oxide patches, but larger, multicenter trials are needed to confirm the early results with these treatments. Preliminary work with growth factors and stem cells is promising, but further study is required in these fields. Surgery remains the last option due to the morbidity and inconsistent outcomes. The ideal treatment for tendinopathy remains unclear.


METHODS
Level II, systematic review.
Andres
Brett M
BM
Orthopaedic Research Institute, St George Hospital, University of New South Wales, Level 2 Research and Education Building, 4-10 South Street, Kogarah, Sydney, NSW, 2217, Australia. bandres@yahoo.com
Murrell
George A C
GA
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005996:Nitroglycerin / Q000008:administration & dosage; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D015911:Sclerotherapy; D033581:Stem Cell Transplantation; D052256:Tendinopathy / Q000628:therapy*; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D005938:Glucocorticoids; D036341:Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins; D005996:Nitroglycerin