Understanding Tendinopathy: What You Need to Know

Have you ever noticed a dull ache near your elbow after a long day at the computer, or pain in your heel after a morning jog? If so, you might be experiencing signs of tendinopathy—a condition that affects the tendons in your body. While the name might sound complicated, tendinopathy is actually one of the most common causes of musculoskeletal pain and can affect anyone, from elite athletes to weekend gardeners.

So, what exactly is tendinopathy?

Tendons are the strong, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones. They play a crucial role in helping us move by transmitting the force generated by muscles to the bones they attach to. When tendons are overloaded—whether through repetitive activity, poor technique, or a sudden increase in intensity—they can become irritated or injured. This condition is known as tendinopathy.

Contrary to older beliefs, tendinopathy is not simply an "inflammation" of the tendon. While inflammation might be present in the early stages, research now shows that the issue is more related to structural changes within the tendon itself. These changes can lead to pain, stiffness, and a reduced ability to perform everyday or sporting activities.

Common Types of Tendinopathy

Tendinopathy can occur in various parts of the body, but some of the most commonly affected areas include:

• Achilles tendon (at the back of the heel): Common in runners and those who spend a lot of time on their feet.

• Patellar tendon (just below the kneecap): Often seen in sports that involve jumping, like basketball or volleyball.

• Rotator cuff tendons (around the shoulder): A frequent complaint among people who lift overhead or work in manual jobs.

• Lateral elbow tendon (tennis elbow): Not just for tennis players—this can affect anyone doing repetitive gripping tasks.

What Causes Tendinopathy?

Tendinopathy doesn't usually develop overnight. It's often the result of a gradual build-up of stress on the tendon without enough time for recovery. This might happen after increasing your activity level too quickly, using poor posture or technique, or not allowing your body enough rest. Age, biomechanics, and even metabolic factors like diabetes can also contribute to tendon health.

The Good News: It's Treatable

One of the most important things to know about tendinopathy is that it can be effectively managed with the right approach. Treatment often involves a tailored exercise program focused on strengthening the affected tendon and surrounding muscles. Physiotherapists can also help identify contributing factors like muscle imbalances or movement patterns that might be aggravating the condition.

If you're experiencing persistent pain near a joint or tendon, don't ignore it. Early management can prevent a minor issue from becoming a long-term problem. The key is to address the underlying cause and not just the symptoms.

In future posts, we'll explore how tendinopathy is diagnosed, what treatment involves, and practical steps you can take to keep your tendons healthy for life.

Tendon pain is the tendon telling you it is not happy with the loads. It needs time off and changes to loads. Act early and agressively - Jill Cook