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.
Level of Evidence: Level II, systematic review. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Each author certifies that he has no commercial associations (eg consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing
arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.