Tendinosis is a condition that affects your tendons, the strong, fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones. Unlike a tendon tear or rupture, which involves a sudden and complete break in the tendon, tendinosis is a chronic, degenerative condition where the tendon becomes weakened and damaged over time.
Understanding Tendinosis
Imagine your tendon as a strong rope. Over time, repeated stress and strain can cause tiny tears and microscopic damage to the rope's fibers. This damage can lead to inflammation, pain, and stiffness.
Tendinosis isn't caused by a single injury, but rather by ongoing overuse, repetitive movements, and improper biomechanics. It's often seen in athletes, people with physically demanding jobs, and those who engage in activities that put stress on certain tendons.
Symptoms of Tendinosis
- Pain: The most common symptom is pain that worsens with activity and eases with rest.
- Stiffness: The affected tendon may feel stiff and restricted in motion.
- Tenderness: The area around the affected tendon may be tender to the touch.
- Weakness: The affected tendon may feel weak, making it difficult to perform certain movements.
Common Locations for Tendinosis
- Shoulder: Rotator cuff tendinosis
- Elbow: Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
- Wrist: De Quervain's tendinosis
- Hip: Hip flexor tendinosis
- Knee: Patellar tendinosis (jumper's knee)
- Ankle: Achilles tendinosis
Treatment for Tendinosis
The goal of treatment is to reduce pain and inflammation, improve tendon function, and prevent further damage. Treatment options may include:
- Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the tendon.
- Ice: Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve tendon flexibility.
- Corticosteroid injections: In some cases, a doctor may inject corticosteroids into the affected tendon to reduce inflammation.
- Surgery: Surgery is rarely necessary for tendinosis, but may be an option in severe cases.
Prevention of Tendinosis
- Warm up properly: Before engaging in any activity, warm up your muscles to prepare them for exertion.
- Use proper form: Use correct technique when performing activities to minimize stress on your tendons.
- Gradually increase intensity: Avoid sudden increases in activity level or intensity.
- Stretch regularly: Stretching can help improve tendon flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
- Cross-train: Engage in a variety of activities to avoid overusing the same muscles and tendons.
Conclusion
Tendinosis is a common condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help you manage the condition effectively. By following preventative measures, you can reduce your risk of developing tendinosis and maintain healthy tendons.
