Our Summary

This research paper discusses the difficulties in treating tendinopathy, a condition that affects the tendons and can cause a lot of pain and discomfort. Treating tendinopathy is often a long and expensive process, and the effectiveness of current treatments is questionable. The paper suggests that this is due to a lack of understanding about how tendon cells work. The authors argue that more research is needed to develop biological treatments for tendinopathy. They also suggest that new treatment methods that mimic the normal behaviour of tendons could hold promise. The paper reviews the importance of tendinopathy, the structure of healthy tendons, how tendons get injured and heal, and the current treatment options, highlighting the need for better non-surgical treatments.

FAQs

  1. What is tendinopathy and why is it difficult to treat?
  2. What are current treatment options for tendinopathy and why are they not always effective?
  3. What do the authors of the research paper suggest for improving the treatment of tendinopathy?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tendon repair is to follow a structured rehabilitation program prescribed by a physical therapist. This program may include specific exercises to strengthen the injured tendon, as well as techniques to improve flexibility and range of motion. It is important to follow the program consistently and not rush the healing process, as this could potentially worsen the injury. Additionally, maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated can also support the body’s natural healing process for tendon repair.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended tendon repair are those who have experienced a tendon injury or damage that has not healed on its own through conservative treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. These patients may have persistent pain, limited range of motion, and difficulty performing daily activities due to their tendon injury.

Common patients who may be recommended for tendon repair include athletes who have suffered a sports-related injury, individuals with chronic tendinopathy that has not responded to conservative treatments, and those who have experienced a traumatic injury that has caused significant damage to the tendon.

Tendon repair surgery may also be recommended for patients with severe tendon tears, tendon ruptures, or tendon injuries that are affecting the function of a joint or limb. In these cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the tendon and restore proper function and mobility.

Overall, patients who are recommended tendon repair are those who have not seen improvement in their symptoms with conservative treatments and who may benefit from surgical intervention to repair and strengthen the damaged tendon.

Timeline

Before tendon repair:

  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected tendon
  • Patient may undergo imaging tests such as MRI to diagnose the extent of the tendon injury
  • Patient may be prescribed rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication as initial treatment
  • If conservative treatments do not improve symptoms, surgery may be recommended for tendon repair

After tendon repair:

  • Patient undergoes surgery to repair the damaged tendon, which may involve suturing the tendon back together or removing damaged tissue
  • Patient may need to wear a splint or brace to immobilize the repaired tendon during the initial healing phase
  • Patient undergoes physical therapy to regain strength and flexibility in the repaired tendon
  • Patient may experience some pain and stiffness during the recovery process
  • With proper rehabilitation and adherence to post-operative instructions, patient can expect to gradually return to normal activities and regain full function in the repaired tendon.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with tendon repair surgery?
  2. What is the expected recovery time and rehabilitation process following tendon repair surgery?
  3. Are there any alternative non-surgical treatment options available for tendon repair?
  4. What are the success rates of tendon repair surgery in terms of pain relief and functional improvement?
  5. How long will it take before I can return to normal activities and sports following tendon repair surgery?
  6. Are there any specific lifestyle changes or modifications that I should make to prevent re-injury to the repaired tendon?
  7. Will physical therapy be necessary following tendon repair surgery, and if so, what does that entail?
  8. What can I expect in terms of long-term outcomes and potential complications after tendon repair surgery?
  9. Are there any specific exercises or stretches that I should do to help with my tendon repair and prevent future injuries?
  10. What type of follow-up care will be needed after tendon repair surgery, and how often will I need to see my doctor for check-ups and monitoring?

Reference

Authors: Lipman K, Wang C, Ting K, Soo C, Zheng Z. Journal: Drug Des Devel Ther. 2018 Mar 20;12:591-603. doi: 10.2147/DDDT.S154660. eCollection 2018. PMID: 29593382