Injury
Antibiotics can harm tendons
Are your feet fit for purpose?
Next time you’re prescribed antibiotics, check the label. A group of antibiotics called fluoroquinolones have been found to increase the risk of tendon injury, leading the US Food and Drugs Adminstration (FDA) to issue a warning about their use. One study suggests someone who is prescribed a fluoroquinolone (look for varieties than end in ‘-floxacin’) faces a 3.8-fold increased risk of Achilles tendinopathy. Dose and length of treatment affect the level of risk but the best advice is to avoid the drug if alternatives are available.