Tendinopathy might sound like a mouthful, but it’s actually a common injury many people face. Whether you’re an athlete, tradie or just someone who enjoys a weekend walk, tendinopathy affects people of a variety of activity levels and ages. It refers to pain and dysfunction in your tendon - the tough connective tissue that joins muscle to bone.
More Than Just Inflammation
Unlike "tendonitis", which strictly refers to inflammation, tendinopathy covers a broader spectrum. It includes inflammation (tendinitis), tendon wear and tear (tendinosis) and even issues in the tendon’s surrounding sheath (tenosynovitis). It’s often caused by repetitive strain or overuse, not a one-off injury.
Where and Why It Happens
Tendinopathy commonly strikes areas like the shoulder, elbow, knee, and Achilles tendon. Tendons are susceptible to irritation associated with changes in load. Tendinopathy can develop when small amounts of damage build up faster than your body can repair them - think of it as your tendon saying, “I’ve had enough!”
Treatment: Movement is Medicine
The good news? Most cases improve with the right approach. Early treatment might involve a period of relative rest, but real recovery often comes through guided exercises that slowly rebuild tendon strength.
Don’t Push Through Pain
If you're feeling persistent tendon pain, don't ignore it. Catching it early means getting back to doing what you love - pain-free and stronger than before!
No comments:
Post a Comment