What is the difference between tendinitis and tendinosis?
The tendon is a flexible band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. Tendons are remarkably strong and are able to withstand all of the day to day stresses and pressure that we place on them. When a tendon becomes inflamed and irritated this is known as tendinitis.
Tendinosis on the other hand is a breakdown of the tendon’s collagen, a basic building block of the tendon. Tendinosis happens in response to chronic over use. For example, when a tendon is repeatedly injured but never given time to heal properly this can result in tendinosis.
Many conditions that were traditionally referred to as a tendinitis are now understood to be tendinosis. While the tissue of tendinitis contains inflammatory cells, the tissue of tendinosis has tiny tears and is thickened. The distinction between these two is important for treatment purposes.
Where does tendinitis or tendinosis occur?
There are approximately 4,000 tendons in the body. These most common tendon injuries are:
- Ankle (Achilles)
- Knee (Jumper’s knee)
- Elbow (Tennis elbow)
- Shoulder (Rotator cuff)
What are the symptoms of tendinitis and tendinosis?
The main symptoms of tendinitis are:
- Pain (which ranges from dull and achy to sharp and severe)
- Swelling
- Redness
- Tendinitis is typically more acute or sudden in nature
Tendinosis generally has pain as the dominant symptom, without swelling or redness. Additionally, tendinosis is a gradual process that happens over time.
How are tendonitis or tendionosis diagnosed?
Your doctor will usually diagnose tendonitis or tendionosis after taking a medical history and carrying out a physical examination. An ultrasound scan may be used to help rule out other medical conditions, to identify changes in a tendon or to rule out a significant tear.
What is the treatment of tendinitis and tendinosis?
Because tendinitis is dominated by inflammation, anti-inflammatory medications (e.g. ibuprofen or naproxen) may be helpful. While these medications can also be used in tendinosis for short term pain relief, using them for long periods of time can have detrimental effects on tendon healing, as well as dangerous side effects for the rest of the body.
At Avid Sports Medicine we understand that movement in the form of specific and targeted therapeutic exercises is the basis for effective treatment. Identifying strength and flexibility deficits or imbalances is the key to treating the underlying cause. Cross training and technique modifications can be essential in breaking the cycle of injury.
In addition to movement-based treatment, injections can play an important role in symptom management and healing potential. We offer newer regenerative procedures such as Platelet Rich Plasma. This treatment option uses the body’s natural healing substances to help treat the injured tendon.
What’s Next?
Schedule your free consultation to evaluate your individual circumstances. During this call you’ll speak directly with Dr. Jow, our sports medicine physician. While we can’t give out specific advice until you become a patient, we can discuss your issue and determine if Avid is the best fit for you. If an in-person visit is recommended, we will schedule it right away.