Tendon Injections: Risks, Alternatives, and What You Need to Know
When you get a tendon injection, a shot of medication directly into a damaged or inflamed tendon to reduce pain and swelling. Also known as peritendinous injection, it’s often used for conditions like tennis elbow, Achilles tendinitis, or shoulder rotator cuff issues. But here’s the thing: these shots aren’t harmless. A growing body of evidence shows they can weaken tendons over time — and in some cases, cause them to tear completely.
The biggest risk comes from corticosteroid injections, powerful anti-inflammatory drugs commonly used in tendon shots. While they bring quick relief, studies show repeated use increases the chance of tendon rupture by up to 40%. And it’s not just steroids. If you’re taking bempedoic acid, a cholesterol-lowering drug for people who can’t tolerate statins, your tendon risk goes up too. The FDA has warned that bempedoic acid can cause tendon problems, including rupture — even in people without prior tendon injuries.
Who’s most at risk? Older adults, people with diabetes, those on long-term steroid therapy, and athletes who push through pain. It’s not just about the injection — it’s about what else you’re taking, how often you’re getting shots, and whether you’re giving your body time to heal. Many doctors still use these injections because they’re fast and easy. But the long-term cost? A torn tendon can mean months of rehab — or surgery.
There are better ways. Physical therapy works just as well as injections for most tendon issues — and without the risk. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and shockwave therapy are newer options with strong evidence behind them. Even simple rest and controlled movement can rebuild tendon strength over time. If you’ve been told you need a tendon injection, ask: Is this really the best option? Or am I just getting a quick fix that could cost me more later?
The posts below dig into exactly this: the hidden dangers of tendon injections, how drugs like bempedoic acid make things worse, what alternatives actually work, and how to protect your tendons without risking a rupture. You’ll find real-world advice from people who’ve been there — and the science behind why some treatments backfire.
