Managing Chronic Tendon Pain by Repurposing Metformin
James Wang
Summary
The purpose of the current exploratory clinical trial is to determine the effect of oral ingestion of metformin (OIM) in non-diabetic patients with chronic Achilles tendon pain. The trial has two aims; 1) to assess the effects of OIM treatment on tendon pain, and 2) to determine the effects of OIM capsules on tendon healing and repair. Twenty participants will be treated with metformin capsules for 16 weeks combined with a home exercise program. A comparison group of 20 participants will be treated with placebo tablets along with home exercise program.
Description
This is a blinded and randomized controlled trial that focuses on the treatment effects of metformin (Met) on chronic tendon pain, healing, and repair in midportion Achilles tendinopathy. We will include a total 40 patients randomly divided into two equal groups: Group 1: Home Exercise Program + Placebo as a control group Group 2: Home Exercise Program + Oral Ingestion of Metformin Patients in group 1 will receive placebo capsules,1 capsule (500 mg) daily for week one, 2 capsules (1,000 mg) daily for week two, 3 capsules daily for week 3 (1,500 mg), and 4 capsules daily (2,000 mg) for weeks…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18–50 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- No
Inclusion Criteria: * Willing and able to provide informed consent for participation * Clinical diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy * Pain disability index score of between 20 - 70 points (0-100 scale VISA-A) * Sonopalpation tenderness with tendon thickening and/or loss of fibrillary architecture. * Ability to read, speak, and understand English Exclusion Criteria: * Any intervention (corticosteroids or other orthobiologic intervention as injection) to targeted tissue within the last 6 months. * Previous Achilles tendon surgery. * Known platelet abnormality or hematological disorder. * Prese…
Interventions
- DrugMetformin
500 mg capsules of Metformin Extended Release
- DrugPlacebo
500 mg capsules of placebo pills
Location
- University of PittsburghPittsburgh, Pennsylvania