Republished research: Impact of autologous blood injections in treatment of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy: double blind randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Study question: Do peritendinous autologous blood injections improve pain and function in people with mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy?

Summary answer: The administration of two unguided peritendinous autologous blood injections one month apart, in addition to a standardised eccentric training programme, provides no additional benefit in the treatment of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy.

What is known and what this paper adds: Several studies have suggested that injection of autologous blood can help in the treatment of various tendinopathies. There is a lack of high quality evidence showing relevant benefit for autologous blood injections, particularly in the management of mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy. We found no additional reduction in pain or improvement in function when these injections were combined with an eccentric calf training programme.