Combining treatments might help tendon injuries

Combination treatments are effective for tendon injuries such as Achilles tendinitis, according to a Mayo Clinic study.

Researchers found that by using tenotomy, which involves multiple needle sticks to break up an injury’s scar tissue, followed by an injection of the patient’s concentrated blood platelets, can help speed up the healing process.

In the study, 34 subjects who had various tendon injuries were given a tenotomy treatment followed by a platelet injection. Researchers found that 70 percent of subjects reported improved use of tendons and 76 percent reported reduced discomfort. Both treatments are common for tendon injuries, but the treatments aren’t combined often.

Mayo Clinic says further studies are necessary to determine the benefits of combining treatments for various tendon injuries.