- A D J Webborn: The Sussex Centre for Sport & Exercise Medicine, University of Brighton, Eastbourne, UK. nickwebborn@sprtswise.org.uk
PURPOSE: The last decade has seen an evolution in the thinking of tendinopathy from inflammatory to degenerative and hence a change in approaches to treatment.
METHOD: We review the literature in this field to highlight the possibility of neural and neural-induced inflammation in this field.
RESULTS: Neuropathy is a possible source of pain in tendinopathy.
CONCLUSION: Further work is required to develop the neuropathic model of tendinopathy, and to determine whether these neuropathic factors are responsible. The concept of neoneurovascularization being the issue in tendinopathy is established. The underlying mechanisms for the process require further evaluation.