Cambridge researchers to investigate new treatment for painful tendons
A team of Cambridge researchers are hoping to find a more effective way of relieving painful tendon problems which are currently difficult to treat.
Dr Graham Riley, head of soft tissue research at Addenbrooke's Hospital heads up the team which has been awarded a grant of almost £120,000 by the Arthritis Research Campaign (arc) find out more about how to treat tendinopathy.
Tendinopathy is a common condition which occurs in people with arthritis and can affect patients in two ways; a tendon such as the Achilles may suddenly rupture, without any previous symptoms, or a tendon may become painful for many months.
"Both these conditions are difficult to treat, and current forms of treatment, such as rest, physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory drugs are often ineffective," explained Dr Riley. "Surgery is usually a last resort, but in many cases it doesn't give a satisfactory result."
Tendinopathy occurs when the structure and composition of the tendon degenerates, leading to weakness and pain. The cause of tendon degeneration is not known, although the age and physical activities of a patient are both risk factors.
Dr Riley and his team are investigating the possibility that substances called "tachykinins" - in particular a type of tachykinin called substance P - which are produced by nerve endings in the tissue, play a part in the development of tendinopathy.
"The aim of our study is to investigate which tachykinins are found in normal and diseased human tendon, and to determine their role in the health of the tissue," said Dr Riley. "If substance P is involved in the disease, then certain drugs, which are now available and are being used in clinical trials for other conditions, could be used to treat tendinopathy more effectively."
The Arthritis Research Campaign is the fourth biggest medical research charity in the UK, and in the past 12 months raised more than £26m to fund its extensive research programme. Cambridge is a leading centre of arc -funded research, with £1.7m currently pumped into 17 projects.
