Current opinion on tendinopathies - PRM point of view

Tendinopathy manifests as pain in the tendon and diminished performance, sometimes accompanied by tendon swelling. While clinical assessment is the primary method for diagnosis, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging can provide additional precision. Widely prevalent, tendinopathy ranks among the most frequently self-reported musculoskeletal conditions in both physical laborers and athletes. However, conducting comprehensive epidemiological studies on tendinopathy proves challenging due to diverse sports cultures and habits across different countries.
The etiology of tendinopathy appears to be multifaceted, involving intrinsic and extrinsic factors.
Although the role of inflammation is a subject of debate, the absence of inflammatory cells does not negate the involvement of inflammatory mediators. Various theories attempt to elucidate pain and chronicity mechanisms, yet these mechanisms largely remain unknown. Conventional treatments are typically applied empirically to alleviate pain and inflammation but do not alter the tendon's histological structure. Despite their widespread use, these treatments are not entirely satisfactory, with recurrent symptoms being commonplace.
Promisingly, several new treatments for tendinopathy are currently under development; however, limited evidence supports their efficacy in clinical practice.