A tendon injury, also known as tendinopathy, occurs when repetitive strain or overloading causes microscopic tears in the tendon fibers. This can lead to inflammation, reduced blood flow, and potential nerve compression in the affected area, resulting in pain and impaired function.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
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What are Tendons? Tendons are strong, fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones. They transmit the force generated by muscles to create movement.
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How Injuries Occur: Tendon injuries often arise from:
- Overuse: Repetitive motions or activities without sufficient rest.
- Sudden Increase in Activity: Rapidly increasing the intensity or duration of exercise.
- Poor Technique: Incorrect form during physical activities.
- Age-Related Changes: Tendons lose elasticity and become more susceptible to injury with age.
- Direct Trauma: A sudden impact or blow to the tendon.
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Consequences of Tendon Damage: When a tendon is injured, it can lead to:
- Inflammation (Tendinitis): Pain, swelling, and tenderness around the affected tendon. Note: While "tendinitis" implies inflammation, many tendon injuries are now understood to be more degenerative in nature (tendinosis).
- Tendinosis: Chronic degeneration of the tendon's collagen, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Tendon Rupture: A complete tear of the tendon, resulting in a loss of function. This is a more severe injury requiring medical intervention.
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Common Locations: Tendon injuries can occur in various parts of the body, but some common sites include:
- Shoulder (Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy)
- Elbow (Tennis Elbow/Golfer's Elbow)
- Wrist (De Quervain's Tenosynovitis)
- Knee (Patellar Tendinopathy/Jumper's Knee)
- Ankle (Achilles Tendinopathy)
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Symptoms: Common symptoms of a tendon injury include:
- Pain, especially during or after activity.
- Stiffness.
- Tenderness to the touch.
- Swelling.
- Weakness in the affected area.
- A grating sensation (crepitus) during movement.
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Diagnosis & Treatment: Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and may include imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI. Treatment options range from conservative measures (rest, ice, compression, elevation, physical therapy, pain medication) to more invasive procedures like injections or surgery, depending on the severity of the injury.
In summary, a tendon injury happens when a tendon is overloaded, leading to small tears and subsequent inflammation or degeneration, causing pain and functional limitations.
