What is tendinopathy and what are the most frequent causes?
A tendinitis is an inflammatory process of the tendon, mainly caused by microtraumatisms such as repetitive movements, for example, during sports practice.
What is the difference with tendinosis?
It is important to differentiate tendinitis from tendinosis, since inflammatory processes such as tendinitis have a duration of 24, 48 or 72 hours. Beyond this time, generally the tendon does not maintain the inflammation and is called tendinosis or tendinopathies. In many occasions it is incorrectly spoken of tendinitis in injuries without inflammation, which should be catalogued as tendinosis.
In conclusion, we can define tendinosis as an irritative and non-inflammatory process of the tendon, so the treatment and approach will be different from an inflammatory tendinitis.
What are the most common tendinitis?
The most common tendinitis are the three described below:
- Achilles
- Patellar
- Supraspinatus
Likewise, we must also take into account the epicondylalgias at the elbow or tendinopathies derived from the goose foot, among others.
What are the most frequent symptoms?
It is common to detect this type of injury at the end of a sporting activity, noticing a pain in the local area of the tendon, at the end of the sporting activity, after a few hours or a few days later.
As it progresses to more important stages, the pain is already produced in the sport activity itself. Evidently, if the injury goes to more the pain will end up being practically permanent.
There are tests performed by traumatologists and physiotherapists in which they seek to highlight the tendon, since it is a mechanical pain. Tendinopathies produce a very localized and punctual pain that is generated when the affected structure is put in motion, so it is usually easy to detect the affected area.
In any case, pain in the tendon will not always mean that you have a tendinopathy, and should be corroborated by medical tests performed by a specialist.
What treatment options exist for tendinopathies?
Once a proper diagnosis has been made, there are different techniques for the treatment of tendinopathies, depending on their stage.
In an acute process, analgesic techniques, interferential electrotherapy currents are used, in addition to the prescription of cryotherapy (ice), to combat the inflammatory process.
In the subacute phase, when there is no longer inflammation, the classic physiotherapy techniques focused on tendon pathology are used. In this case, the aim is to create a reflex inflammatory process to facilitate the regenerative mechanism of tendon processes.
As is the case of:
- Cyriax technique (deep transverse massage).
- Diacutaneous fibrolysis, popularly known as hooks.
- Dry puncture.
- Distal massage.
- Osteopathic techniques to restore the adaptive mechanisms.
- Electrolysis, both EPI and EPTE.
- Shock waves.
On the other hand, it has been demonstrated that eccentric work is highly effective in the treatment of tendinopathies. The type of exercises should be adjusted according to the type of tendinosis the patient suffers from.
From physiotherapy a minimally invasive treatment is performed in the first instance, in case of not having results, it should move to an invasive approach with other techniques or with other professionals. Finally, it is essential to follow the indicated guidelines and be consistent, even in those injuries that are prolonged in time.
When is it necessary to see a specialist in Physiotherapy?
From the beginning it is recommended to go to a specialist in Physiotherapy, even if you must opt for a surgical process, it is very important to prepare the structure, since the response and treatment will end up being more effective and beneficial.
For more information about the treatment of tendinopathies, consult with Ricardo Gonzalez Physiotherapy and Osteopathy.