What is Tendinopathy?

Tendinopathy is a common cause of chronic tendon pain and weakness, affecting people of all ages and activity levels. Whether it starts from repetitive strain, poor technique, or underlying health issues, tendinopathy can make everyday tasks difficult. In this article, you’ll learn what tendinopathy is, how it develops, and what you can do to treat and prevent it effectively.

What Is Tendinopathy?

Tendinopathy is a condition that affects the tendons, the tough cords of tissue that connect your muscles to your bones. These cords work hard every day, helping you move, lift, and stay steady. When tendons are overused or exposed to too much strain, they can become damaged. This damage causes pain, stiffness, and weakness, often affecting your ability to move comfortably. While athletes often get tendinopathy from repetitive motion, anyone can develop it, especially if your lifestyle includes heavy lifting, typing, or working with tools.

Tendinitis vs Tendinosis

Tendinitis is the more familiar term. It refers to inflammation in the tendon, often caused by a sudden injury or new activity. It’s your body’s way of responding to a problem. If left untreated, tendinitis can become long-term. On the other hand, tendinosis is a chronic condition. It occurs when the tendon starts to break down due to ongoing strain. Unlike tendinitis, it doesn’t involve inflammation. Instead, it leads to a weakening of the tendon’s structure, and this makes it more prone to tearing or rupture.

Where Tendinopathy Shows Up

Tendinopathy can happen in nearly any tendon. Some areas are more commonly affected than others, especially where the tendon is under repeated pressure. You might hear people refer to these injuries by sport, like tennis elbow or jumper’s knee. But these injuries can also affect people who never step onto a pitch or court. Repetitive movements at work, during exercise, or even while doing chores can lead to this condition.

Common sites include:

• Rotator cuff and shoulder
  
• Elbow (tennis or golfer’s elbow)
  
• Wrist
  
• Patellar tendon (knee)
  
• Achilles tendon (heel)
  
• Ankle or foot tendons
  
  

What Causes Tendinopathy?

Tendinopathy often starts when a tendon is asked to do too much. This could be from lifting too much weight, training too hard, or repeating a motion too often. Poor technique during sport or work tasks can also strain the tendon. It’s not always about activity though. Some health issues can increase your risk. Metabolic conditions like diabetes or obesity, for instance, make tendons more vulnerable. Even certain medications are known to weaken tendons, especially if used over time.

Common causes include:

• Overuse from repetitive activities
  
• Sudden increase in physical workload
  
• Poor posture or technique
  
• Muscle imbalances or weakness
  
• Metabolic disorders (e.g., diabetes, obesity)
  
• Certain medications (e.g., steroids, fluoroquinolones)
  
  

Signs and Symptoms

Most people with tendinopathy will notice pain first. It’s often sharp at the beginning but dulls into an ache that doesn’t go away. You might feel stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time. Swelling can occur too, along with a warm or tender feeling over the affected area. In some cases, movement becomes limited, or you might hear a creaking or crackling when the tendon moves. If left untreated, it can even lead to tendon rupture.

Look out for:

• Persistent pain at or near a joint
  
• Swelling or warmth in the area
  
• Stiffness, especially after rest
  
• Reduced range of motion
  
• Weakness or poor grip strength
  
• Crackling sensation when moving
  
  

Initial Treatment Options

If caught early, tendinopathy can often be treated without any complicated intervention. Rest is the first step. Giving your tendon time to settle reduces stress on the tissue. Ice can help ease pain and swelling in the short term. Anti-inflammatory medication may also be suggested. In some cases, a brace or splint is used to protect the area while it heals. But rest alone won’t fix the problem. It’s the start, not the solution.

Early treatment includes:

• Rest from triggering activities
  
• Ice application
  
• NSAIDs for pain relief
  
• Bracing or support
  
• Temporary activity modification
  
  

Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy

Once the pain is under control, it's important to begin rehabilitation. One of the most successful methods is eccentric exercise. This type of movement strengthens the tendon without putting too much stress on it. Over time, it encourages the tendon to heal and rebuild its structure. A physiotherapist can guide you through exercises that suit your injury and fitness level. They may also help with stretching, posture correction, and activity modification to avoid future problems.

Advanced Treatments

Sometimes, tendinopathy doesn’t respond to early treatment. In those cases, further interventions might be needed. One popular option is shockwave therapy. This stimulates the tendon using high-energy sound waves, encouraging healing. Other techniques include ultrasound therapy, iontophoresis, or laser therapy. Each one aims to speed up repair or reduce pain. In rare cases, injections or surgery might be considered. But these are usually reserved for cases where everything else has failed.

Other treatments may include:

• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
  
• Ultrasound or laser therapy
  
• Iontophoresis or phonophoresis
  
• Corticosteroid injections
  
• Surgery (for chronic or severe tears)
  
  

Eccentric Exercise: The Gold Standard

Eccentric exercises involve lengthening the muscle as it contracts. Think of lowering a dumbbell slowly during a bicep curl. This kind of movement puts controlled load on the tendon, which promotes healing and builds strength. Studies show that eccentric training works well in both athletic and non-athletic people. It may also reduce pain chemicals inside the tendon. Best of all, it’s safe when done correctly, with no known side effects.

Also read : What is a TFCC Injury

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Tendon healing is slow. That’s just how tendons work. Their blood supply is limited, so they don’t repair as quickly as muscles. Recovery from acute tendinitis might take just a few weeks. But if the condition has become chronic, you could be looking at two to six months. Staying consistent with your treatment and giving your tendon time to heal is key. Rushing back into activity too soon only increases the risk of further injury.

Supportive Products That Can Help

During your recovery, the right support can make a real difference. Wearing a brace or splint helps take pressure off the affected tendon. This allows you to rest it without giving up movement altogether. Some helpful options from include the ErgoThumb Spica Splint, UltraFlex Wrist Brace, TFCC Support Wrist Brace, and Solid Thumb Support Splint. These products provide targeted support and can be worn during work, exercise, or rest.

In Summary

Tendinopathy is more than a simple ache or pain. It’s a condition that reflects deeper issues within your tendon, whether from overuse, poor technique, or underlying health concerns. Early action, rest, and professional guidance can make all the difference. Left untreated, tendinopathy can become a long-term problem. But with the right approach, most people recover fully and return to the activities they enjoy. Listen to your body, and don’t be afraid to ask for help.