Vitamin D aids tendon healingA Combination Treatment of Raloxifene and Vitamin D Enhances Bone-to-Tendon Healing of the Rotator Cuff in a Rat Model.
Mixed results on vitamin D
This study focused on the effects of vitamin D when combined with raloxifene on healing rotator cuff tendon injuries. We evaluated how these treatments influenced the healing process in a rat model that mimicked an estrogen-deficient state, similar to what postmenopausal women experience.
Our research included four groups of female rats, some receiving an ovariectomy to mimic estrogen deficiency, while others were treated with raloxifene and vitamin D alongside surgery to repair tendon tears. We meticulously measured outcomes, including bone mineral density and tendon-to-bone healing quality.
The results indicated that the combination treatment of vitamin D and raloxifene led to better healing at the tendon-to-bone junction and helped maintain bone density in the affected area. However, it is important to note that while the study examined the effects of vitamin D, it did so within a combination treatment; thus, we cannot isolate its specific impact on tendon healing alone.
Overall, this research offers promising insights into how vitamin D might contribute to tendon recovery, especially when used alongside other treatments like raloxifene.
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Calcium treatment shows promiseClinical outcomes of combined focused shock wave and ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation of rotator cuff calcific tendinopathy therapy.
Study assesses combined therapy methods
We explored the effectiveness of combining focused shock wave therapy and ultrasound-guided percutaneous irrigation for treating painful calcium deposits in the shoulder, known as calcific tendinopathy. Our study involved 229 patients suffering from prolonged shoulder pain, with an average age of 55 years and an average duration of symptoms lasting 30 months. The therapies were applied monthly, with ultrasound guidance playing a crucial role throughout the treatment process.
We focused on two main outcomes: how well the calcium deposits dissolved and the overall improvement in patients' shoulder function, measured by standardized clinical scores. We reported a high success rate in dissolving these deposits, particularly among patients in the "complete resorption" group, who showed significantly better results and required fewer treatment sessions.
Interestingly, the study highlighted the need for special attention to patients classified as type B in the Molé classification, who might present persistent issues despite treatment. This finding suggests that while calcium treatment can be effective, its success may vary based on specific patient characteristics.
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Acupuncture aids shoulder tendonitisAcupuncture help to resolve the calcific deposits of a patient suffering from shoulder calcific tendinitis: A case report.
Studies acupuncture for tendonitis
We explored the benefits of acupuncture in treating shoulder calcific tendinitis, a condition where calcium deposits form in the shoulder, causing pain and restricted movement. Our focus was a 67-year-old woman who suffered from intense shoulder pain and functional limitations for six months.
To tackle her condition, she underwent 12 acupuncture sessions. These sessions were tailored to target specific meridians affected by her illness, using about 12 needles each time. We monitored her pain levels and shoulder movement throughout the treatment period, and a follow-up MRI was conducted afterward.
Remarkably, the follow-up MRI revealed that the calcific deposits had vanished, and she experienced significant pain relief, regaining mobility and independence in her daily activities. Although she reported some mild stiffness afterward, she was encouraged to continue home exercises for further improvement. Though the results are promising, we recommend more extensive studies with control groups to validate these findings further.
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We explored the issue of calcific tendinopathy in the shoulder, a condition that can cause significant pain due to the buildup of calcium deposits in the rotator cuff tendons. This condition mainly affects adults aged 30 to 50, with a higher prevalence in women.
The study highlighted various treatment options available, particularly nonsurgical methods. Among these, we reviewed ultrasound-guided needling (UGN) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), both of which have shown promising results in relieving symptoms and improving function. However, it's essential to note that the study did not specifically isolate the effects of calcium treatment from other nonsurgical treatments, making it difficult to determine the unique impact of calcium on tendonitis.
Ultimately, while we found that UGN was effective in treating a significant case of calcific tendinopathy, further research would be necessary to more clearly assess calcium's role in the recovery process compared to other methods.
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Vitamin D's potential in tendonitisControlled vitamin D delivery with injectable hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel for restoration of tendinopathy.
Strong relevance to treatment insights
We explored the impact of vitamin D on tendonitis, focusing on how it affects tendon cells, specifically tenocytes. Traditional treatments often merely mask the pain without addressing the underlying issues, but we aimed to find a more effective solution. Our research introduced an innovative delivery system using vitamin D formulated in a hyaluronic acid-based hydrogel, designed to provide localized therapy directly to the affected area.
In our study, we observed that this new vitamin D delivery system, called Vit D@Gel/T80, showed promise in protecting human tenocytes from damage induced by inflammatory markers. During in vitro tests, it successfully reduced harmful effects from TNF-α, a protein involved in inflammation. Moreover, in an animal model, the injection of this system led to indicators of tendon restoration, reinforcing our hypotheses about vitamin D's potential benefits in tendon healing.
Overall, our findings suggest that this localized treatment approach could be a significant advancement in managing tendonitis, offering hope for improved recovery and regeneration of tendon tissue. We believe that by enhancing the delivery of vitamin D, we can potentially change the way tendon disorders are treated, moving beyond just pain relief to fostering true healing.
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