90
NSAIDs Play a Role in Chronic Tendon Injury Treatment Despite Lack of Inflammation
Full Title
Management of Chronic Tendon Injuries.
Summary
This clinical review examined the management of chronic tendon injuries, which are common in both athletic and occupational settings. The authors explain that while the term tendinitis implies inflammation, chronic tendon conditions actually involve a disordered and degenerative healing process rather than active inflammation. Despite this distinction, the review finds that NSAIDs and corticosteroids still have a role in treatment. Short-term use of NSAIDs reduces pain and increases range of motion, which can help patients participate in rehabilitative exercises that are essential for recovery. The mainstays of treatment are identified as activity modification, relative rest, pain control, and protection of the injured tissue. The authors note that cryotherapy has a role in controlling pain despite limited high-quality evidence. Importantly, they caution that care should be taken with corticosteroid injections into and near major load-bearing tendons because of the risk of rupture. The review supports a treatment approach where NSAIDs are used strategically as part of a broader protocol rather than as a standalone solution. By reducing pain and inflammation in the short term, NSAIDs can facilitate rehabilitation and activity modification, but they should not be relied upon indefinitely. This aligns with the concept that NSAIDs are a tool to support recovery when used with proper timing and dose control, not a substitute for addressing the underlying injury.