When it comes to tendon injuries there are 5 main offenders in the body. 3 in the lower limb and 2 in the upper limb. Most people will be familiar with them though their own experiences or from knowing others who have had tendonitis, tendinosis, tendinopathy or a tear.
Lower limb:
Gluteal tendon (outer hip)
Patellar Tendon (below the knee cap)
Achilles Tendon
Upper Limb:
Supraspinatous tendon (rotator cuff tear)
Common extensor tendon (tennis elbow)
The main difference between the terms is regarding how broadly they define tendon injuries and how long the problem has been building up.
Tendonitis is usually short term and comes on after an strenuous or unaccustomed activity.
Tendinosis usually develops over a longer time period and the tendon changes to an abnormal shape due to repeated stress or overloading.
A tear is usually a sudden rupture of some or all of the tendon and usually occurs where it joins to the muscle.
Tendinopathy is a more generally accepted term encompassing the other 3 terms.
The good thing is that they all follow a similar treatment protocol. Your physical therapist will first identify the structure and severity of the injury. Treatment will then consist of rest, ice and modalities such as manual therapy, stretches and exercises to promote healing of the tendon in the quickest and strongest way possible. Medicine such as anti-inflammatories and cortisone injections or injections of other types can also be effective and should be combined with physical therapy where appropriate.
It is important to seek evaluation by your physical therapist or doctor as these injuries can become chronic and persist for a long period of time if left untreated.
