Definition

Tendons connect muscle to bone and help move joints. Tendinopathy is an injury to the tendon. The injuries can include:

• Tendonitis—An inflammation of the tendon.
• Tendinosis—Microtears in the tendon tissue with no significant inflammation

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Causes

Tendinopathy is caused by overuse. This causes tiny tears that build up over time.

Risk Factors

This problem is more common in women than in men. It is also more common in older adults. Other things that may raise the risk are:

• Doing any activity too much, such as:
  • Sports
  • Physical labor
  • Housework
• Physical problems, such as:
  • Muscle imbalances
  • Poor flexibility
  • Being overweight
  • Alignment problems in the leg(s)

Symptoms

Problems may be:

• Pain in the tendon or the area around it, often with activity
• Poor motion of related joints
• Swelling
• Weakness

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done. The doctor may suspect tendinopathy based on symptoms. Images are rarely needed. They may be done if the doctor suspects problems with the bone.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the tendon and how badly it is damaged. Basic care will include:

• Rest for the joint. This does not mean full rest but avoiding movement that causes strain to the area.
• Ice
• Cast, splint, or brace to support the tendon
• Medicines to ease pain and swelling

Physical therapy may be needed if the problems keeps returning.

Prevention

To lower the risk of this problem:

• Slowly increase activities
• Stretch and strengthen the muscles that attach to a tendon