When we talk about tendinopathy we refer to an alteration of a tendon. Tendons are a tissue formed by type 1 collagen and elastin, in addition to proteoglycans and glycoproteins, which join the muscles to the bone.
Causes of tendinopathies
The causes of tendinopathies are varied; in sportsmen they are produced by incorrect training, either by overexertion, increased loads, defective techniques, joint instability, incorrect footwear, defective playing fields, etcetera.
In non-athletes, age is a risk factor since tendons undergo structural changes that favor their deterioration. Inactivity, metabolic alterations such as hypothyroidism, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, hyperuricemia, malnutrition after fasting and uncontrolled diets, genetic factors and some medications are causes of tendinopathy.
What symptoms do tendinopathies develop?
The fundamental symptom is pain; at the beginning there is only pain with movement when the tendon is subjected to a habitual biomechanics with which it did not hurt before. Later on, the pain may appear even at rest.
What are the most common tendinopathies?
Achilles tendinopathy, rotator cuff and supraspinatus syndrome, epicondylitis and epitrochleitis, tendinopathy of the patellar tendon or jumper’s knee and plantar fasciitis.
Treatment of tendinopathies
It is important to see a specialist in Sports Medicine when the first symptoms appear, as tendinopathies often become chronic, which greatly increases the recovery and healing time.
The treatment in the acute phase consists of reducing the load on the tendon and providing anti-inflammatory drugs. In the late phase where there is already a degenerative tendinopathy, in addition to reducing the load, physiotherapeutic treatment with eccentric exercises, ultrasound, laser, ice, etc. must be performed, and the contribution of growth factors (PRGF) is very useful.