Swelling of tendons, or the thick fibrous tissue that supports muscles and attaches them to joints, is called tendinosis. It is a chronic condition that usually occurs in the wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees (patellar tendon), and heels (Achilles tendon).
Tendinosis is often confused with tendonitis because the symptoms can be similar. However, there is no inflammation in tendinosis. Rather, it is a chronic disease characterized by collagen degradation caused by overuse.
There is also a burning and painful sensation due to swelling of the tendon, which becomes worse with physical activity. If your daily activities are limited by tendinopathy, see a Pembroke Pines pain management physician for a medical evaluation.
Causes of tendon degeneration
Middle-aged or older adults are at risk for this type of tendon injury. But the condition is most common in people who play sports or perform repetitive tasks without adequate rest in between.
When a person has tendinosis, rest is crucial. Continued physical exertion and activity can put further stress on the tendon, limiting the blood supply needed for collagen and slowing the injury’s healing process.
Pain and stiffness are the most common symptoms of tendinosis, along with limited joint mobility. For some patients, some tender and bothersome lumps may appear in the injured body part.
Treating Tendinosis with PRP
In addition to pain relief with medications, there are other goals in treating tendinopathy. First, patients must be taught techniques to prevent further injury and strengthen muscles through a good physical therapy program. But to enhance collagen replacement and speed injury healing, platelet-rich plasma or PRP procedures may also be helpful.
PRP in Hollywood uses concentrated platelets (also called platelets) that are drawn from the patient and placed in a centrifuge. The concentrated sample, which is primarily composed of protein, water and activators such as calcium chloride, is then injected directly into lesions of degenerating tissue under the guidance of ultrasound imaging. Once activated, platelets release proteins that stimulate the growth of repair cells naturally produced by the body to allow healing.
PRP has been widely used for decades to accelerate bone formation after spinal fusion surgery. However, in recent years, research has shown that the use and demand for PRP continues to grow, especially in the field of regenerative medicine.
Tendinosis PRP Surgery
Injections of PRP Hollywood do not require hospitalization. Patients can receive treatment at Dr. Escobar’s pain management clinic in Pembroke Pines, as the entire procedure takes less than an hour to complete.
The injection may cause discomfort to some patients, so the doctor will use an anesthetic first. There is no immediate relief after the initial injection. However, over time, patients will experience significant improvement in the injured area. Subsequent injections depend on the doctor’s advice and the patient’s progress.
Side effects of PRP on tendinosis are uncommon. However, injection needles are always sterilized to avoid infection. PRP injections are not recommended for patients taking anticoagulant medications or suffering from bleeding disorders.
Learn more about Dr. Escobar’s pain management clinic and PRP in Hollywood:
Dr. Escobar’s Pain Clinic offers comprehensive interventional pain management services. Our pain specialists are experts at performing procedures such as spinal cord stimulation, platelet-rich plasma injections, epidural steroid injections and other innovative techniques. All of these can help relieve your pain and restore your quality of life. If you have any questions, please contact us.
The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute the provision of medical advice and does not substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your health, always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health care provider.
