Rest Betrayed: The Subtle Threat to Achilles Tendon
The
Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body
constituted predominantly of collagen fibres and helps in movement such as
running and jumping. Achilles tendinopathy is an inflammatory in the Achilles
tendon that cripples a lot of athletes and sometimes the general population.
For years, overuse was thought to be the root of the problem but how this
tendon gradually breaks down at a molecular level, has largely been a mystery. What happens to these fibres after intense physical activity?
This
study examined the impacts of running on the Achilles of rats, revealing
something new about collagen damage. Surprisingly, the researchers found that
this tendon did not deteriorate straight after exercise, even when the tendons
were under a lot of strain and stress from running. However, the damage is
gradual and is referred to as collagen denaturation which occurs when muscles
are at rest.
This
study highlights that degradation is not due to mechanical stress, collagen
denatures through inflammation and protein degradation. The reported findings
indicated that collagen fibres associated with tendons and ligaments have
denaturation at about twelve hours post-running and regain their ‘normal’ state
in seven days of rest. However, when running continues uninterrupted for weeks
and months with no rest, collagen can be compromised leading to the basis for
Achilles tendinopathy.
This
study utilizes in vivo magnetic resonance imaging to examine Achilles tendon
injuries induced by collagenase, employing a contrast agent that specifically
targets denatured collagen. This creates a new possible application for
identifying tendon problems at an earlier stage and providing treatment.
The
results of the present study have implications for both athletes and
clinicians by acquiring insights from molecular reactions underlying
tendinopathy, better strategies to prevent injury and diagnostic techniques can
be developed, potentially transforming the management of overuse injuries
expected in the future.
Reference:
Fang
Y, Zhu D, Wei J, Qian L, Qiu R, Jia T, Huang K, Zhao S, Ouyang J, Li M, Li S.
Collagen denaturation in post-run Achilles tendons and Achilles tendinopathy:
In vivo mechanophysiology and magnetic resonance imaging. Science Advances.
2024 Oct 2;10(40):eado2015. https://doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.ado2015
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