Tendinosis

Tendinosis, also known as tendinopathy, occurs when a tendon – those tough cords linking bones to muscles – becomes inflamed or irritated.

What leads to tendinosis?

Tendinosis typically stems from repetitive, minor impacts on the affected area or from sudden, more severe injuries. Numerous activities can trigger tendinosis, including gardening, raking, carpentry, cleaning the house, shoveling, painting, scrubbing, playing tennis or golf, skiing, and throwing or pitching. Additionally, incorrect posture at work or home, along with inadequate conditioning before exercise or sports, heightens the risk. Other factors contributing to tendinosis include:

1. Abnormal or poorly positioned bones or joints, like differences in leg length or arthritis, which strain soft tissue structures.
2. Stresses from conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, psoriatic arthritis, thyroid disorders, or unusual reactions to medications.
3. Overuse or rapid increase in activity levels when tendons aren’t accustomed to the movement or task, often seen in “weekend warriors” who engage in intense physical activity only on weekends.
4. Infections, occasionally, can cause tendinosis, especially those stemming from bites by cats or dogs on the hands or fingers.
5. Psoriatic arthritis, a combination of psoriasis and joint inflammation, often manifests as throbbing pain and stiffness in the tendons of fingers, hands, and toes.

Risk Factor

Tendinosis can affect anyone, but it’s more commonly seen in adults, particularly those aged 40 and above. As tendons age, they become less tolerant to stress, lose elasticity, and are prone to tearing.

Where Does Tendinosis Strike?

Tendinosis can manifest in nearly any part of the body where a tendon connects bone to muscle. The most frequent sites include the base of the thumb, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, and Achilles tendon.

Symptoms

Symptoms of tendinosis encompass:

1. Pain at the tendon site and its surrounding area. This pain might gradually intensify or occur suddenly and severely, particularly if there are calcium deposits.
2. Restricted motion in the shoulder, often referred to as “adhesive capsulitis” or frozen shoulder.

How do I prevent tendinosis?

To steer clear of tendinosis, follow these guidelines during activities:

1. Start slowly and gradually increase activity levels.
2. Employ limited force and repetitions.
3. Cease the activity if pain arises. Switch to another task. Attempt the activity again later, and if pain persists, refrain from it for the day.

What’s the treatment for tendinosis?

Initial treatment for tendinosis involves:

1. Avoiding activities that exacerbate the issue.
2. Resting the affected area.
3. Applying ice to the area on the day of the injury.
4. Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs or using topical anti-inflammatory gels.

If the condition doesn’t improve within a week, consult a doctor. Advanced treatments may be necessary, including:

1. Corticosteroid injections, which swiftly reduce inflammation and pain.
2. Physical therapy, which can be particularly beneficial for frozen shoulder. It involves range-of-motion exercises and splinting.
3. Surgery, though rarely required, may be recommended for severe cases unresponsive to other treatments.

How long does recovery from tendinosis take?

Recovery from tendinosis can vary from weeks to months, depending on the severity of your injury.

However, it’s important to note some warning signs that indicate you should seek medical attention:

1. Fever exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Swelling, redness, and warmth around the affected area.
3. General feelings of illness or pain in multiple areas.
4. Inability to move the affected area.

These symptoms could indicate another underlying issue that requires immediate medical attention.

Source:

American College of Rheumatology.
MedlinePlus: “Psoriatic arthritis.”
National Psoriasis Foundation: “About Psoriatic Arthritis.”