Hyaluronic acid injection for Achilles tendinosis

What is tendinopathy?

Tendinopathy is a disease of the tendon caused by wear and tear, overuse or incorrect use of the joints in the body. Tendons connect muscle to bones and although tendinopathy is generally non-inflammatory, it can lead to pain and reduced mobility.

What causes tendinopathy?

Tendons transmit the power of the muscles onto the bones. This can put a lot of stress on the tendons which can be many times higher than the actual body weight.

Prolonged activity, repetitive movements or incorrect load bearing can all lead to irritation and inflammation, combined with pain and reduced mobility.

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body found at the heel. It is surrounded by a covering called a tendon sheath, filled with lubricating fluid which improves gliding of the tendon. The sheath can get affected in the inflammatory process.

What is the Injection?

The injection used is OSTENIL® TENDON.

OSTENIL® TENDON is highly concentrated Hyaluronic acid (2%). Hyaluronic acid is present in the body wherever moisture is stored or lubrications between layers of tissue is required to eliminate friction.

How does hyaluronic acid work?

The lubricating characteristics of hyaluronic acid increase tendon gliding.

The tendon can work again as if well-oiled.

Hyaluronic acid also:

• Nourishes the tendon.
• Reduces inflammation and hence reduces pain and swelling.

The hyaluronic acid injections aims to normalise tendon function, reducing pain and improving joint function.

How is Hyaluronic acid administered?

Your doctor will give you an injection into the area around the most damaged part of the achilles tendon, usually using some form of guidance such as ultrasound, which helps ensure the injection is placed correctly.

They will inject hyaluronic acid into the tendon sheath itself. The lubricant will be distributed by the natural movement along the entire tendon. A repeat injection, normally given a week after the first, may be required in more established and persistent tendon disease.

What can you expect from treatment with Hyaluronic acid injection?

In some studies, the treatment described above has proved to be effective and safe. In most cases there is a quick and long-lasting improvement of joint function. Several tendons may be treated at the same time. If symptoms return the treatment can be repeated.

Reference

1. Lynen, N. Treatment of chronic tendinopathies with
   peritendinous hyaluronan injections under sonographic
   guidance – an interventional, prospective, single-arm,
   multicenter study. OUP Orthopäedische und
   Unfallchirgurgische Praxis. 2012; 1 (10); pp 6-11.

Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints

Patient Experience Team (PET)

We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:

Telephone: 01642 624719

Freephone: 0800 092 0084

Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm

Email: [email protected]

Out of hours

Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.

Telephone: 01642 617617

Data protection and use of patient information

The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.

Telephone: 01642 383551

Email: [email protected]

Leaflet feedback

This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:

Email: [email protected]