Tendinopathy is now the accepted term to describe a spectrum of changes that occur in damaged and/or diseased tendon. It is a condition that requires careful management and a structured recovery plan. The road to recovery can be long, but with the right approach, one can regain strength in the affected tendon, alleviate pain, and restore function. This article provides a guide to the treatment options available, breaking down complex medical information into simple actionable advice.

Initial Steps: Rest and Protection

• Rest the affected tendon to allow the damaged tissue time to heal and prevent further injury.
• Avoid movements that stress the injured tendon, such as climbing stairs for knee tendon injuries or calf-engaging activities for Achilles tendon injuries.
• Experts recommend resting the affected tendon for approximately 3 weeks, but gentle movements that do not strain the tendon are usually encouraged.

Supportive Measures

• Additional support like taping, splints, or braces may be necessary to protect the tendon and prevent further strain.
• These aids are typically worn for about 3 weeks, depending on the severity of the symptoms and the injury location.

Gradual Reintroduction of Activity: Exercise Therapy

• Once acute pain, inflammation, and swelling have subsided, gradually reintroduce activity to the affected tendon.
• Physical therapy plays a vital role in this phase, with specific exercises designed to stretch and strengthen the tendon.

Eccentric Exercises

• Eccentric exercise focuses on movements that lengthen the muscles and stretch the tendons.
• For example, recovering from Achilles tendinopathy may involve standing on the edge of a step and slowly lowering the heels, then returning to the starting position.

Progression of Exercises

• Initially, these exercises might be performed only a few times each day.
• As the tendon heals, the frequency and intensity can be gradually increased under the guidance of an orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist.

Other Therapies: Pain & Recovery

• Passive Therapeutic Approaches - Various physical therapies aim to relieve pain and promote healing using heat, cold, electricity, or sound.
• Heat and Cold Therapy - Cold packs can reduce acute pain, while heat may be more beneficial for chronic cases.
• Electrotherapy - Techniques like iontophoresis involve passing a mild electric current through the skin to improve medication absorption and pain relief.
• Ultrasound and Shockwave Therapy - These methods use sound waves to break apart adhesions in the tendon tissue.
• Massage Therapy - Deep friction massage can help break up adhesions within the tendon, though it may be painful during treatment.
• Pain Management via Medication - Topical or oral pain medicines can be prescribed to address discomfort.
• Advanced Interventions: Injections and Surgery - For some, tendinopathy symptoms persist despite conservative treatments.

Injections and Surgery

• Injections - Various substances can be injected around the tendon to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Surgery - Surgery is generally a last resort, used only when other treatments have failed.

Treatments Following Tendon Surgery

• Following tendon injury or surgery, rehabilitation may include exercises, medication, and nutritional supportive therapy for tendon healing.

Patience and Persistence: The Key to Recovery

• Recovery from tendinopathy requires patience and persistence, often taking several months.
• Sticking to the treatment plan, performing exercises regularly, and avoiding activities that strain the tendon are crucial for successful recovery.
• If symptoms are not improving or return after initial treatment, consult with the healthcare provider.

Conclusion

• Tendinopathy is a challenging condition, but with the right approach, recovery is possible.
• By understanding the treatment options and following a structured recovery plan, we can manage symptoms effectively and prevent further injury.
• Early intervention and consistent care are key to a successful recovery.