Management of Chronic Tendon Injuries

Tendons are tough, fibrous tissues that connect muscle to bone and play a critical role in our movement, from helping us swing a tennis racket to allowing us to lift groceries or climb the stairs. But for all their strength and flexibility, tendons are also vulnerable. Repeated stress, poor mechanics, and insufficient healing time can lead to overuse injuries and eventual degeneration.

What’s more, chronic tendon injuries can affect anyone — not just athletes or fitness enthusiasts. People with physically demanding jobs or repetitive tasks are just as likely to experience these painful and often debilitating conditions. That’s why understanding chronic tendon injuries and how to prevent and treat them is so important.

What Is Tendinopathy?

Tendinopathy is a broad term that encompasses various types of chronic tendon disorders, including tendinitis and tendinosis. It refers to the gradual breakdown of a tendon due to prolonged stress and inadequate healing. This condition is typically characterized by localized pain, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion that can last for months if not properly managed.

How Tendinosis Is Different From Tendinitis

Tendinitis is the acute inflammation of a tendon, usually due to a recent increase in activity or a sudden overload. It’s marked by swelling, warmth, and pain and often responds well to rest and anti-inflammatory treatment. It’s important to note that tendinitis can become chronic if the injury does not heal.

Tendinosis is a chronic condition that involves the degeneration of the tendon’s collagen fibers without the presence of significant inflammation. Because the condition is the result of wear and tear over time, it requires a different approach to treatment, focusing more on stimulating the healing process rather than simply reducing inflammation.

What Causes Tendinopathy?

Tendons have a relatively poor blood supply, which means they don’t heal as quickly as muscles. When we continually stress them without allowing sufficient recovery, small tears can accumulate. Over time, these micro-injuries lead to chronic tendon degeneration. This is why managing chronic tendon injuries involves more than just addressing symptoms — it requires a holistic look at what caused the injury in the first place.

In most cases, repetitive movements, overuse, and inadequate rest are major culprits of the development of tendinopathy. However, other contributing factors can include poor biomechanics, aging, and even metabolic conditions such as diabetes or high cholesterol.

Where Chronic Tendon Injuries Typically Occur in the Body

Do you have pain in your shoulder that won’t go away? A nagging discomfort in your heel every time you take a step? Chronic tendon injuries tend to occur in areas of the body that endure frequent use and strain. Some of the most common sites include:

• The rotator cuff tendons in the shoulder
• The Achilles tendon in the heel
• The patellar tendon in the knee
• The tendons around the elbow, such as those affected in tennis or golfer’s elbow.

Each of these areas is subjected to repetitive motion and load-bearing, making them particularly vulnerable to tendinopathy. You may also experience chronic tendon pain in your hip.

How Chronic Tendon Pain Is Diagnosed

Diagnosing chronic tendon injuries typically begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination. A shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, or foot specialist will ask about your symptoms, activity level, and any previous injuries. They’ll also assess the affected area for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion.

To confirm the diagnosis and rule out other potential issues, imaging tests may be used. Ultrasounds and MRIs are particularly effective at visualizing soft tissues and can reveal tendon thickening, tears, or degeneration. In some cases, diagnostic injections or functional testing may be used to better understand the nature of the injury. Accurate diagnosis is essential for managing chronic tendon injuries effectively and creating a tailored treatment plan that addresses the root cause.

Treatment for Chronic Tendon Pain

You’ve got the diagnosis. Now what? Well, there are several effective strategies for managing chronic tendon pain. Treatment usually begins with conservative approaches aimed at reducing pain and promoting healing. For example, physical therapy is often the cornerstone of recovery, focusing on strengthening the surrounding muscles, improving flexibility, and correcting biomechanical imbalances.

Other non-surgical treatments may include activity modification, orthotics, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In some cases, your sports medicine doctor may recommend regenerative therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) to stimulate healing.

In rare cases where conservative treatment fails, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair or debride the damaged tendon. An orthopedic specialist will take a personalized approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of your tendon pain so that you can experience full recovery.

Call Premier Orthopaedics for Help Managing Chronic Tendon Pain

Do you suspect that the persistent pain in your shoulder, elbow, or ankle might be due to a tendon injury or tear? If so, know that there are options. In fact, with the right guidance, it’s entirely possible to stay on top of chronic tendon injuries and their effects on your life.

Whether you need advice on activity modification, want to explore regenerative treatments, or are simply looking for professional tips on managing chronic tendon pain, Premier Orthopaedics is here to support you every step of the way. So, don’t let tendon injuries keep you from doing the things you love. Reach out to our specialists today, and let us help you get back to your favorite activities with confidence.