BEYOND TENDONITIS
Tendinopathy is the broad term for any condition involving a damaged tendon, which can range from acute inflammation (**tendonitis**) to chronic degeneration (**tendinosis**). While many people are familiar with tendonitis, most persistent tendon pain is actually caused by tendinosis—a breakdown of the tendon's collagen fibers without significant inflammation. This distinction is critical, as chronic tendinosis requires treatments focused on stimulating healing and tissue repair, not just reducing inflammation. An accurate diagnosis is the key to creating a successful recovery plan.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
Tendinopathy is typically an overuse injury. It develops when the cumulative load placed on a tendon exceeds its ability to heal and remodel itself, leading to micro-tears and degeneration.
This is the primary cause. Repetitive motions from sports, work, or hobbies continuously strain the tendon faster than it can repair, leading to breakdown.
Abruptly increasing the intensity or duration of an activity can overwhelm a tendon, causing acute inflammation that may progress to a chronic condition.
Improper technique during exercise, poor ergonomics, or underlying alignment issues can place abnormal stress on tendons, causing them to fail over time.
As we age, blood flow to our tendons decreases and they become less elastic. Certain metabolic conditions can also negatively affect tendon health.
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS
The main symptom of tendinopathy is pain localized to a specific tendon that is made worse with activity. The characteristics of the pain can help determine the stage of the condition.
A classic sign is pain that appears at the start of an activity, may improve during, but then returns worse afterward or the next morning.
The tendon is often tender at a very specific point when pressed, such as at its insertion onto a bone.
Significant pain and stiffness in the tendon upon taking your first steps in the morning, which typically eases after you get moving.
In chronic cases of tendinosis, the affected portion of the tendon may feel thickened or have a noticeable nodule compared to the healthy side.
The affected limb can feel weak, both due to pain when activating the muscle and the tendon's reduced ability to transmit force effectively.
Noticeable swelling, redness, and warmth are more common signs of the acute inflammatory stage (tendonitis) rather than chronic tendinosis.
If you're dealing with persistent tendon pain that isn't improving with rest, you may have chronic tendinosis, which requires a healing-focused approach. An accurate diagnosis is key. Contact us to learn about modern, regenerative treatments that can help repair your damaged tendon and get you back to an active life.