Conditions

This content is merely informational, it is not a proper substitute for seeing an experienced medical doctor.

Tendonitis

Tendinopathy, otherwise known as tendonitis, is one of the most common diagnoses in both occupational and sports-related injuries. Chronic injuries, such as tendonitis, account for about 48% of reported occupational illnesses and 30-50% of sports-related injuries1. Tendinopathy is most commonly the result of repetitive movement and the overuse of a tendon. Tendinopathy collectively describes tendonitis, which is inflammation of the tendon, and tendinosis, which is a slow-healing series of micro-tears to the tendon. Following an injury of the tendon, both tendonitis and tendinosis may occur, causing general pain, tenderness, and swelling in the area of the injury2.

The common treatment for tendinopathy is rest of the injured area, the application of ice to reduce swelling, and anti-inflammatory pain relievers. Anti-inflammatory agents such as corticosteroids and NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which include ibuprofen, ketoprofen, and Aleve, are commonly recommended for treatment of tendinopathy3, 4, 5. However, these treatments do not promote the healing process of the tendon, and research has failed to show these methods as effective in the long-term. Physical therapy is another method commonly used to conservatively treat tendonopathy4. Adherence to a treatment regimen, however, can be difficult for many subjects, and compliance is often not adequate to maintain remission. The most beneficial treatment of tendinopathy is one that includes not only anti-inflammatory, and analgesic agents, but also connective tissue-regenerating agents that will treat the symptoms of both tendonitis and tendinosis. If the inflammation is reduced, the body’s natural mechanism to facilitate repair of the damaged collagen fiber is thwarted. Weakness of the tendon then results from the micro-tears that remain. As the tendon is continuously used, rupture of the tendon may occur.

Reference

  1. Almekinders, L., Temple, J. (1998). Etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of tendonitis: an analysis of the literature. Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 30(8), 1183-1190.
  2. Tendinitis and tendinosis (tendinopathy). Webmd.com. 2004.
  3. Demirtas, R. N., Oner, C. (1998). The treatment of lateral epicondylitis by iontophoresis of sodium salicylate and sodium diclofenac. Clinical Rehabilitation, 12, 23-29.
  4. Hadley, H. W., Fischer, L. A., Whitaker, J. (1998). A topically applied quaternary ammonium compound exhibits analgesic effects for orthopedic pain. Alternative Medicine Review, 3(5), 361-6.
  5. Gerdesmeyer, L., et al. (2003). Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Calcifying Tendonitis of the Rotator Cuff. JAMA, 290(19), 2573-2580.