Tendon pain can affect the way a joint or limb functions. Sometimes the discomfort is due to acute swelling in the tendon, called tendonitis. That’s different from tendinosis, which is due to chronic damage to a tendon.
If you were able to look at the tendon, it would likely have a scarred and rubbery appearance.
Tendinosis is a chronic condition that results from a tendon repeatedly suffering smaller injuries that don’t heal correctly. You can’t see the effect of tendinosis by looking at the area, but you can feel the effects. Tendinosis can occur in any part of the body, including the elbow, forearm, wrist, shoulder, heel, and knee.
The chronic nature of tendinosis is because of your healthy cells getting replaced with degenerative cells. Any treatment you receive for your condition will depend on how many healthy cells remain in your tendon.
Common causes of tendinosis include dealing with an acute injury, overuse of a tendon, or the way you position yourself when performing tasks like typing at your keyboard. Some of the factors that can increase your risk of developing tendinosis include:
Repetitive motions. You can develop tendinosis if you involve yourself in activities like playing tennis or performing manual labor. Computer programmers, assembly line workers, and professional athletes work in occupations with a higher rate of tendinosis.
Bodyweight. The pressure placed on your limbs from being overweight can place more stress on your tendons.
Tendons that are most subject to overuse and the development of tendinosis include:
Common extensor tendons located on the outside of your elbow
Rotator cuff tendons found alongside your shoulder socket
Gluteal tendons located on the outside of your hip
Achilles tendons found in the back of your heel
Patellar tendons connecting your kneecap to your shin bone
TREATMENT OF TENDONITIS
Dry Needling
Acupuncture
Physiotherapy
