xx.jpegTendinitis and chronic tendinopathy or tears are common conditions that cause pain and limit mobility, affecting areas such as the plantar fascia, lateral epicondyle, rotator cuff, and patellar tendon. Traditional treatments often include corticosteroid injections, but emerging evidence suggests that Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy offers superior healing benefits with fewer risks.


The Risks of Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections are known for their anti-inflammatory effects, providing temporary pain relief. However, their use carries significant risks, particularly concerning tendon health:

  • Tendon Weakening and Rupture: Corticosteroids can weaken tendon structures, increasing the risk of partial or complete tendon ruptures. This risk is heightened with repeated injections. 
  • Degenerative Changes: These injections may lead to degenerative changes within the tendon, potentially exacerbating the underlying condition over time.

The Healing Properties of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP therapy involves concentrating platelets from the patient's own blood and injecting them into the affected tendon. Platelets contain growth factors that promote tissue repair and regeneration. The benefits of PRP include:

  • Enhanced Healing: PRP delivers high concentrations of growth factors directly to the injury site, stimulating the body's natural healing processes and promoting tissue regeneration.
  • Reduced Inflammation: PRP can modulate inflammatory responses, decreasing pain and swelling without the degenerative effects associated with corticosteroids.

Scientific Support for PRP in Specific Conditions

Research supports the efficacy of PRP therapy in various tendinopathies:

  • Plantar Fasciitis: Studies indicate that PRP injections can significantly reduce pain and improve function in patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, often outperforming corticosteroids in long-term outcomes. 
  • Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow): PRP has shown greater improvement in pain and function compared to corticosteroids, with sustained benefits over time. 
  • Rotator Cuff Tendinitis: PRP injections have demonstrated positive effects on pain reduction and functional improvement in rotator cuff tendinopathy, with fewer risks compared to corticosteroids. 
  • Patellar Tendinitis (Jumper's Knee): PRP therapy has been associated with pain relief and functional gains in patients with patellar tendinopathy, offering a promising alternative to traditional treatments. 

Comprehensive Regenerative Treatments at Prisk Orthopaedics

At Prisk Orthopaedics, we offer a holistic approach to tendon health, incorporating various regenerative therapies:

  • EPAT Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy: This non-invasive treatment stimulates healing in damaged tendons through acoustic pressure waves, enhancing blood flow and promoting tissue regeneration.
  • Dry Needling in Physical Therapy: Targeting trigger points within muscles, dry needling alleviates pain and improves mobility, complementing other regenerative treatments.
  • ULTRASOUND DIAGNOSIS AND INJECTION GUIDANCE: At P.O.W., I am able to diagnosis the extent of your tendon problem without the need for an MRI.  We can guide our therapies with ultrasound to the exact location of the damaged tendon. 

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The Importance of Supportive Therapies

In conjunction with regenerative treatments, supportive therapies play a crucial role in recovery:

  • Eccentric Exercises: Engaging in controlled lengthening of the tendon helps rebuild strength and flexibility, essential for rehabilitation.
  • Massage and Stretching: These therapies reduce muscle tension and enhance flexibility, contributing to overall tendon health.
  • Activity Modifications: Adjusting activities to minimize strain on affected tendons prevents further injury and facilitates healing.
  • Supportive Devices: Utilizing supportive shoes, counterforce straps, inserts, and bracing provides additional support, reducing stress on tendons during daily activities.

Surgical Intervention and PRP Integration

When conservative treatments are insufficient, surgical intervention may be necessary. Dr. Prisk specializes in tendon repair surgeries and integrates PRP therapy intraoperatively to enhance healing and improve outcomes.

Conclusion

While corticosteroid injections offer temporary relief for tendinitis and chronic tendinopathy, they carry risks such as tendon weakening and rupture. PRP therapy harnesses the body's natural healing mechanisms, promoting tissue regeneration with a favorable safety profile. At Prisk Orthopaedics, we combine PRP with other regenerative treatments and supportive therapies to provide a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to tendon health.

If you're experiencing tendon-related pain or dysfunction, contact us today to explore personalized treatment options that align with your health goals.  Call 412-525-7692