Tendonitis

What is Tendonitis?

Tendonitis (or tendinitis) is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, which are thick fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones. Tendonitis typically occurs when a tendon is overused, causing pain and tenderness just outside a joint. While it can affect any tendon in the body, it most commonly affects areas like the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.

Causes of Tendonitis: Tendonitis is often insidious, meaning that the pain develops gradually over time. It can result from repetitive use or overloading of the tendon, such as through physical activity or repetitive motions. Acute ruptures can also occur in some cases. Other factors contributing to tendonitis include:

Biomechanics: Poor movement patterns or posture can put undue stress on tendons.
Training Surfaces: Hard or uneven surfaces can increase stress on tendons.
Footwear: Improper shoes can affect the alignment and mechanics of movement, increasing stress on tendons.
Nutrition: Lack of proper nutrients can affect tendon health and repair.
Medications: Some medications can increase the risk of tendon injuries.

Symptoms of Tendonitis:

Pain: Often described as a dull ache that worsens with movement of the affected joint or limb.
Tenderness: The area around the affected tendon may feel tender to touch.
Swelling: Mild swelling can occur around the tendon due to inflammation.
Stiffness: Movement in the affected joint or limb may be restricted due to pain and inflammation.
Warmth: The area may feel warm to the touch due to the inflammation.

Treatment of Tendonitis:

The primary goal of treatment for tendonitis is to reduce inflammation, promote healing, and strengthen the tendon to improve its ability to handle loads without pain. Physiotherapy can be very effective in managing tendonitis by focusing on:

Biomechanical Assessment and Correction: Your physiotherapist will assess your movement and biomechanics to identify any improper patterns contributing to the overload on the tendon. Improving movement techniques can help reduce stress on the tendon and prevent further injury.
Pain Relief: Methods such as acupuncture, taping, and passive movement techniques can be used to reduce pain and improve mobility in the affected area.
Strengthening Exercises: Strengthening the tendon and surrounding muscles helps the tendon tolerate stress and reduces the risk of re-injury. The physiotherapist will guide you through exercises that specifically target the affected tendon.
RICE Method: You can also apply basic at-home remedies to manage the symptoms:
- Rest: Avoid activities that strain the tendon.
- Ice: Apply ice to the affected area to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Use a bandage or compression wrap to help control swelling.
- Elevation: Elevate the affected limb to help reduce swelling.

Conclusion: With proper management and physiotherapy, most cases of tendonitis can improve over time. However, addressing the root cause (whether it’s biomechanics, overuse, or other contributing factors) is crucial to prevent future flare-ups. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s important to seek further medical advice for more specialised treatments.

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