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Corticosteroids aid healing -- if the timing is right

A new study from Linköping University finds that corticosteroids can improve tendon healing if administered at the correct timing. The research reveals that inflammation must subside before new tissue formation begins. When given after the early inflammatory phase, corticosteroids significantly enhance tendon strength in rats.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 17, 2017

Rat study provides insights on tendon overuse injuries

Researchers found rotator cuff tendon overuse leads to degeneration of the shoulder tendon and osteoarthritis-like changes to neighboring cartilage. The study may help clinicians determine optimal treatment for tendon overuse injuries, reducing further damage.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Orthopaedic Research®·DateDec 21, 2016

No good evidence that shock-absorbing insoles stave off injuries or stress fractures

A pooled analysis of available data reveals that shock-absorbing insoles do not prevent injuries or stress fractures. In contrast, foot orthotics have been shown to reduce the risk of overall injury and certain types of leg and foot pain by up to 41%. However, the quality of the evidence varies, and further rigorous research is needed.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateDec 12, 2016

Tendon, heal thyself!

A new study from TSRI researchers reveals the role of a gene called Mkx in maintaining and strengthening tendons in animal models. The findings may bring doctors closer to using gene therapies to grow and repair tendons.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2016

Making lab-grown tissues stronger

Researchers at UC Davis have developed a method to toughen up engineered cartilage and keep natural tissues strong outside the body. By depriving native or engineered cartilage of oxygen and using an enzyme called lysyl oxidase, they found that cross-linking occurs, making the material stronger.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2014

This is why it takes so long to get over tendon injuries

Researchers discovered that Achilles tendons retain high levels of carbon-14 from the Cold War era, indicating limited renewal and a slow healing process. This finding explains why tendon injuries often persist for years, but also opens up opportunities for developing new treatments to provoke dormant cells into repairing the tendon.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateFeb 15, 2013

Frogs' amazing leaps due to springy tendons

Researchers at Brown University discovered that frogs' stretchy tendons are the key to their impressive jumping abilities. The study shows how the leg muscle shortens and loads energy into the tendon before releasing it to propel the frog forward, enabling them to jump much farther than expected.

SourceBrown University·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 16, 2011

Tendons absorb shocks muscles won't handle

Researchers at Brown University discovered that tendons absorb shocks and store energy, while muscles take on the role of absorbing remaining energy after impact. This finding highlights the critical role of tendons in shock absorption and has implications for the development of synthetic tendons and rehabilitative practices.