Updates in Tendinopathy Treatment Options

Tendinopathy is a common but disabling condition. The term describes a complex, multifaceted pathology of the tendon characterized by pain, decreased function, and reduced exercise tolerance. Tendinopathy accounts for up to 30% of general practice musculoskeletal consultations. Advances in understanding the disease process include inflammation as part of the early tendinopathy process. Once thought to not contribute to the early process of tendon degeneration, this hypothesis has been refuted. This allows guidance in conservative treatment. However, when conservative treatments fail, there are minimally invasive injections and ultrasonic debridement techniques that offer an intermediate treatment step with low reported morbidity.