Abstract

ObjectivesTo analyse whether (1) passive or active pain coping strategies and (2) presence of neuropathic pain component influences the change of Achilles tendinopathy (AT) symptoms over a course of 24 weeks in conservatively-treated patients. DesignProspective cohort study. MethodsPatients with clinically-diagnosed chronic midportion AT were conservatively treated. At baseline, the Pain Coping Inventory (PCI) was used to determine scores of coping, which consisted of two domains, active and passive (score ranging from 0 to 1; the higher, the more active or passive). Presence of neuropathic pain (PainDETECT questionnaire, −1 to 38 points) was categorized as (a) unlikely (≤12 points), (b) unclear (13–18 points) and (c) likely (≥19 points). The symptom severity was determined with the validated Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire (0–100) at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 weeks. We analysed the correlation between (1) PCI and (2) PainDETECT baseline scores with change in VISA-A score using an adjusted Generalized Estimating Equations model. ResultsOf 80 included patients, 76 (95%) completed the 24-weeks follow-up. The mean VISA-A score (standard deviation) increased from 43 (16) points at baseline to 63 (23) points at 24 weeks. Patients had a mean (standard deviation) active coping score of 0.53 (0.13) and a passive score of 0.43 (0.10). Twelve patients (15%) had a likely neuropathic pain component. Active and passive coping mechanisms and presence of neuropathic pain did not influence the change in AT symptoms (p=0.459, p=0.478 and p=0.420, respectively). ConclusionsContrary to widespread belief, coping strategy and presence of neuropathic pain are not associated with a worse clinical outcome in this homogeneous group of patients with clinically diagnosed AT.

Highlights

  • A neuropathic pain component was likely in 12 patients (15%)

  • Osteoarthritis and tendinopathy are both associated with a chronic pain component.[23]

  • The course of Achilles tendinopathy (AT) symptoms after conservative treatment is not altered by the employment of a more active or more passive coping strategy in patients who received exercise therapy and an injection

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Summary

Objectives

To analyse whether (1) passive or active pain coping strategies and (2) presence of neuropathic pain component influences the change of Achilles tendinopathy (AT) symptoms over a course of 24 weeks in conservatively-treated patients. The symptom severity was determined with the validated Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment-Achilles (VISA-A) questionnaire (0–100) at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 weeks. We analysed the correlation between (1) PCI and (2) PainDETECT baseline scores with change in VISA-A score using an adjusted Generalized Estimating Equations model. Patients had a mean (standard deviation) active coping score of 0.53 (0.13) and a passive score of 0.43 (0.10). Active and passive coping mechanisms and presence of neuropathic pain did not influence the change in AT symptoms (p = 0.459, p = 0.478 and p = 0.420, respectively). Conclusions: Contrary to widespread belief, coping strategy and presence of neuropathic pain are not associated with a worse clinical outcome in this homogeneous group of patients with clinically diagnosed AT

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