What is Tendinopathy?

Tendons are rope-like tissues that connect your muscles to your bones and are essential for movement and flexibility. Tendinopathy refers to the condition where the collagen fibres that form the tendons degenerate (deteriorate) and break down, resulting in reduced range of motion, pain and soreness. Tendinopathy diagnosis is usually made on the basis of patient history and a physical examination and imaging techniques. Tendinopathy is sometimes referred to as tendinosis as well, and it is important to note that this condition is different from tendonitis.

Causes

Tendinopathy causes are almost always related to overuse or excessive stress on the tendon and can also be caused by trauma such as a sports injury. It is reported that around 50% of sports-related injuries involve tendons. There are a few tendinopathy risks factors that may increase the likelihood of individuals suffering from the condition, such as old age, pre-existing arthritis condition, being an athlete or working at a job that requires excessive use of tendons.

Symptoms

In individuals with tendinopathy, there is often scarring and hardening of the tendons that causes a series of different symptoms. The symptoms of tendinopathy are as follows:

• Burning sensation:Those with tendinopathy usually experience a strong burning sensation around the affected tendon, and this is also often accompanied by swelling in the region.


• Prolonged pain:he most common symptom of tendinopathy is persistent pain that almost always worsens with movement and use for any sort of physical activity. Tendinopathy-related pain is usually prolonged and continues for months.


• Joint stiffness:Stiffness in the joints is another common symptom, and the most obvious effect is decreased range of motion at the joints and pain while moving.

Treatment

Tendinopathy treatment may involve a variety of different options, including medications,injections & surgery, and your doctor will be able to recommend the best way forward based on your condition and medical history. There are certain at-home treatments that you can try, however, and these are as follows:

• Resting: Prolonged overuse and stress on tendons already weakened by tendinopathy could be extremely detrimental to your condition, and therefore, resting your tendons after every 15 minutes or so of use will help prevent further damage and ease symptoms.


• Exercise: Light exercise will help strengthen the muscles around the affected tendon and therefore promote better movement and lesser stress.


• Massages and stretching: Lightly massaging the affected region and surrounding areas can improve blood flow, thereby relieving inflammation or stiffness and easing pain and discomfort.


• Braces and muscle tapes: It is recommended to opt for external braces and tapes that are designed to support your affected tendon and prevent any further injury to it.

When to see a doctor

Even slight injuries to tendons greatly inhibit movement and cause immense discomfort. If you suspect that you have tendinopathy and are experiencing chronic pain at any joint or near the joint, visit the doctor and seek treatment immediately.

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