In this double-blind trial in 60 recreational athletes suffering from Achilles peritendinitis,
we compared the effect of local injections of glycosaminoglycan polysulfate (GAGPS)
with oral indomethacin (IM) administered over a 2-week period. Orthotic devices were
prescribed in 66% of the cases to control biomechanical errors. The results after
1-year follow-up showed that GAGPS had a good overall therapeutic effect on two-thirds
of the patients compared to one-third of the IM treated. In the patients with symptoms
lasting longer than 3 months, IM had an effect in only 12% while GAGPS was beneficial
in 59%. Twenty-five cases of non-responders and relapses underwent a crossover treatment.
Those who received IM in this second period did not benefit from this treatment while
those who received GAGPS showed a moderate to good effect in 8/17 (47%) after a 2-week
follow-up. A different mode of action is suggested as an explanation of the encouraging
results.
achilles peritendinitis - drug therapy - glycosaminoglycan polysulfate - indomethacin
overuse injury - sports medicine
