Tendons can heal after injury, but they do not typically "regrow" to fully restore their original function and elasticity. While the body initiates a repair process, the healed tissue often differs from the original tendon.
According to Sheyn, "Tendons often heal in young athletes; however, it takes a long time, and function and elasticity never go back to the same level as before the injury." This highlights that healing occurs, particularly in younger individuals, but complete regeneration to the original state does not. The healing process is also notably lengthy.
The Tendon Healing Process
When a tendon is injured, the body attempts to repair the damage through a complex biological process. This involves inflammation, proliferation of cells, and remodeling of tissue. However, the repaired tissue is often scar tissue, which is mechanically different from the original tendon tissue.
- Repair, Not Full Regeneration: The body lays down new collagen fibers, but their organization and composition may not perfectly replicate the healthy tendon structure.
- Reduced Function & Elasticity: As the reference states, even after healing, the tendon's ability to stretch and return to its original shape (elasticity) and overall function may be permanently diminished.
Challenges in Tendon Healing
Tendon injuries present several challenges, impacting the outcome of the healing process:
- Blood Supply: Tendons have a relatively poor blood supply compared to muscles, which can slow down the healing process.
- Mechanical Stress: Tendons are constantly subjected to mechanical loads, which can make it difficult for the delicate repair tissue to form and mature properly.
- Age: As mentioned in the reference, age plays a role. "In older people, the injuries tend to recur," suggesting less robust healing and higher vulnerability to re-injury.
Outcomes of Tendon Healing
The outcome of tendon healing can vary depending on factors like age, severity of injury, location, and treatment received.
| Patient Group | Healing Outcome | Recurrence Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Young Athletes | Often heal, but long process; Function/Elasticity reduced | Lower |
| Older Individuals | Heal less effectively; Function/Elasticity reduced | Higher |
Current Treatment Approaches
Current medical approaches focus on supporting the body's natural healing process and restoring as much function as possible. These include:
- Physical Therapy: Essential for strengthening surrounding muscles, improving range of motion, and gradually loading the tendon to promote organized healing.
- Medications: Used to manage pain and inflammation.
- Surgery: Often necessary for severe injuries, such as complete tendon ruptures, to surgically repair the torn ends.
While treatments aim to facilitate repair and improve function, they cannot fully reverse the structural changes that occur during the healing process, preventing a complete return to the pre-injury state of the tendon.
