What is Tendinopathy?

Tendinopathy? Tendonitis? Tendinosis? So many words which all resemble each other can be quite confusing especially when they’re often used interchangably. So let me explain…

What does ‘tendinopathy’ mean?

Tendinopathy is a general term that refers to any disease or disorder that affects the tendons. Tendons are the thick, fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones, and they play an important role in movement and physical activity. It can occur in any tendon in the body, but it is most commonly found in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and ankles.

There are two main types of tendinopathy:

• Tendonitis – acutely inflamed, swollen tendon and is typically caused by overuse or injury.
• Tendinosis – a degenerative condition that occurs when the tendon is repeatedly damaged and fails to heal properly.

What are the signs and symptoms of tendinopathy?

Here are a few conditions that are considered to be tendinopathies, with a short explanation of how they present:

• Achilles tendinopathy – affects the Achilles tendon in the heel and is often associated with running and jumping sports.

• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) – affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow and is often caused by repetitive motions, such as gripping and twisting.

• Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) – affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow and is also caused by repetitive motions, such as gripping and twisting.

• Rotator cuff tendinopathy – affects the tendons and muscles that attach to the shoulder joint and is often caused by overuse or injury. Can occur in any of the rotator cuff muscles individually or in combination.

• Patellar tendinopathy – affects the tendon that connects the kneecap to the shinbone and is often associated with sports that involve jumping and landing.

• De Quervain’s tenosynovitis – affects the tendons that run along the wrist and thumb and is often caused by repetitive motions, such as typing or using a computer mouse.

• Biceps tendinopathy – affects the tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to the shoulder joint and is often caused by overuse or injury.

• Plantar fasciitis – affects the plantar fascia, which is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot and connects the heel bone to the toes. This condition is often associated with heel pain, especially in the morning.

• Supraspinatus tendinopathy – affects the supraspinatus tendon, which is one of the four tendons that make up the rotator cuff in the shoulder. This condition is often associated with pain and weakness in the shoulder.

• Gluteal tendinopathy – affects the tendons that attach the gluteal muscles to the hip bone. This condition is often associated with pain and tenderness in the hip area.

How many do you recognise? How many have you experienced?! If you think you might be struggling with one or more of these then it might be time to give us a call. The sooner you have treatment for tendinopathy the more likely you are to recover and everyone loves a success story!

Who can get tendinopathy?

Tendinopathies are common injuries that anyone can experience, but certain factors can increase the risk of developing this condition.

Some of the risk factors for tendinopathy include:

• Overuse – Repetitive movements or overuse of a particular tendon, such as running or jumping, can lead to tendinopathy.

• Age – Tendons become less elastic and more prone to damage as we age, making older adults more susceptible to tendinopathy.

• Improper technique – Using improper technique when performing exercises or activities can put excessive strain on tendons.

• Chronic conditions – Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout, can increase the risk of tendinopathy.

• Obesity – Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of tendinopathy, especially in the Achilles tendon.

• Previous injury – A previous injury to a tendon can increase the risk of developing tendinopathy in the future.

• Smoking – Smoking can decrease blood flow to the tendons, which can increase the risk of tendinopathy.

What treatments are available for tendinopathy?

• Home treatments – even if you seek manual therapy it is wise to continue with treatments at home such as ice over the affected area, heat on the main part of the muscle attached to the affected tendon, pain relief and rest after the initial injury.

• Manual therapy – osteopaths can be very effective in both the early and latter stages of injury. Seeking an osteopath (or your preferred manual therapist) as soon as possible to start you on your journey to recovery can reduce the likelihood of it resulting in chronic (long term) tendinopathy. They can also guide you through how to mmanage your injury at home.

• Shockwave therapy – one of the most effective and quickest treatment options for tendinopathies. Usually needing between 3 and 6 sessions if the injury has been present for 3 months or more, with relief often felt after only one or two appointments. It’s also a non-invasive and minimally uncomfortable option.

• Injection – Corticosteroid or PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections are sometimes recommended, however before proceeding with this it is wise to discuss the pros and cons of choosing this route because results can be unpredictable.

• Surgery – This is often offered, and should be considered as, the last resort if other options for treatment have been explored. Surgery is used to repair or remove tendons which have not responded to conservative treatment.

If any of the signs or symptoms sound familiar or you’ve been diagnosed with tendinopathy then contact Wisbey Osteopathy and have a chat with one of our wonderful team members to see how we might be able to help. You can call us on 07506 461919, email at info@wisbeyosteopathy.co.uk, contact us via social media or book online.