Care For Tendons

Introduction

Tendinopathy is a degenerative tendon condition that results in chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced functio n. It affects individuals across all lifestyles, from athletes to office workers. Understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments can help manage and prevent further tendon damage.

A Condition Characterized by Pain and Swelling of the Achilles Tendon, Often Resulting from Overuse and Degenerative Changes

Achilles Tendinopathy
Illustration of Plantar Fasciitis, a condition characterized by degeneration of the plantar fascia, leading to heel pain

Plantar Fasciitis
Illustration of Peroneal Tendinopathy, a pathological condition involving degeneration and irritation of the peroneal tendons, resulting in pain and instability around the outside of the ankle

Peroneal Tendinopathy
Medical illustration of Patellar Tendinopathy, a pathological state involving degeneration and irritation of the patellar tendon, resulting in anterior knee pain.

Patellar Tendinopathy
Medical illustration showcasing the rotator cuff, emphasizing the tendons and muscles around the shoulder joint.

Rotator Cuff
Medical illustration depicting tennis elbow, focusing on inflammation and degeneration of the forearms extensor tendons near the lateral epicondyle

Tennis Elbow
Medical illustration showing golfers elbow, emphasizing inflammation and degeneration of the forearms flexor tendons near the medial epicondyle

Golfers Elbow
Medical illustration of trigger finger, highlighting the mechanical impingement of the flexor tendon as it passes through the pulley, causing a sensation of locking or catching during finger movement

Trigger Finger
Medical illustration of carpal tunnel syndrome, highlighting compression of the median nerve as it passes through the carpal tunnel, causing numbness and tingling in the hand

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Medical illustration of De Quervains tenosynovitis, highlighting inflammation and thickening of the tendon sheaths surrounding the abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons near the base of the thumb

De Quervain Tenosynovitis

Common Symptoms of Tendinopathy

Key Warning Signs:

  • Pain during or after physical activity
  • Morning stiffness that improves with movement
  • Swelling around the affected tendon
  • Reduced strength and flexibility
  • Crackling sensation during movement

When to Seek Medical Help:

  • Sudden or severe pain
  • Swelling that worsens over time
  • Persistent pain despite rest
  • Night pain that disrupts sleep

Causes and Risk Factors:

Common Causes

  • Repetitive stress on tendons
  • Poor biomechanics or incorrect technique
  • Sudden increase in activity levels
  • Previous tendon injuries
  • Lack of proper warm-up or recovery

Risk Factors

  • Age: More common in individuals over 40
  • Occupational Risks: Jobs requiring repetitive movements
  • Sports Participation: High-impact sports increase the risk
  • Medical Conditions: Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and obesity
  • Medication: Some antibiotics can weaken tendons

Diagnosis & Treatment:

How is Tendinopathy Diagnosed?

A healthcare professional will assess:

  • Medical history and physical examination
  • Pain patterns and movement analysis
  • Ultrasound, MRI, or X-ray (if necessary)

Treatment Options

Conservative Management:

  • Activity modification to reduce strain
  • Pain relief techniques, including ice therapy
  • Structured rehabilitation exercises
  • Gradual loading to strengthen the tendon

Professional Treatment Approaches:

  • Physiotherapy for guided exercises
  • Shockwave therapy to promote healing
  • Manual therapy to improve mobility
  • Surgical intervention (rare cases)

Preventing Tendinopathy:

Daily Prevention Strategies:

  • Proper warm-up and stretching
  • Gradual increase in activity levels
  • Maintaining good posture and movement patterns
  • Strength training to support tendons
  • Ensuring adequate rest and recovery

Exercise Guidelines:

  • Start with low-impact activities
  • Progress gradually to avoid overloading tendons
  • Use proper footwear and equipment
  • Listen to your body`s signals to prevent overuse injuries

Tendinopathy is a general term for tendon issues. Tendinitis refers to acute inflammation, while tendinosis describes chronic degeneration without inflammation.

Recovery varies but typically takes  6-12 weeks  with proper treatment. Severe cases may require longer rehabilitation.

Not necessarily. Modified activity is often better than total rest. A healthcare professional can guide appropriate exercise adjustments.

Surgery is only considered in severe cases where conservative treatments have failed for more than 6 months.