Tendinosis is a condition characterized by damage to the inner layers of a tendon at a cellular level, resulting in tenderness, chronic pain, and weakness. It is not a true inflammatory disorder and is caused by an inadequate supply of blood and nutrients to the cells. Physical therapy and surgery are required for treatment. Symptoms include tenderness, aches, and tightness in the affected part of the body. Athletes and people who engage in vigorous physical activity are at risk. Diagnostic imaging scans can reveal cellular-level damage to a tendon.
Tendinosis is a common cause of tenderness, chronic pain, and weakness in tendons throughout the body. The condition is characterized by damage to the inner layers of a tendon at a cellular level. Unlike tendonitis, which affects a large section of tissue and induces inflammation, tendinosis is not a true inflammatory disorder. Symptoms result from the body’s inability to heal microscopic damage and replace dead skin cells. There are no proven medical treatments for tendinosis, and most people need a combination of physical therapy and surgery to completely overcome the problem.
It’s not always clear what triggers tendinosis, but doctors believe that cell degradation typically results from an inadequate supply of blood and nutrients to the cells. Athletes and people who engage in vigorous physical activity are at risk of putting extra strain on muscles and tendons, which can make them tense and less able to absorb blood. Aging is another major risk factor, as bones, tendons and muscles tend to weaken over time. Additionally, an acute or chronic injury can lead to inflammation and scarring that prevents a tendon from getting enough blood.
The most common sites for the condition are the rotator cuff in the shoulders and the Achilles tendons in the ankles. Baseball pitchers, quarterbacks, and other athletes who use their arms repeatedly are at the highest risk for rotator cuff tendinosis. Achilles tendon injuries are common in runners and athletes who are required to jump, stop and turn frequently. The disorder can also arise in the tendons of the fingers and wrist in people who type, write or draw for several hours a day. Other possible sites include the knees, elbows, feet, or lower back.
Symptoms may not be apparent until extensive damage has occurred. The most common symptoms are tenderness, aches and tightness in the affected part of the body. An injury can also cause weakness and occasional burning or tingling sensations. If the condition is left untreated, the degraded tissue can suddenly tear apart and cause immediate, debilitating pain.
A doctor can check for tendon problems by doing a physical evaluation and doing diagnostic imaging scans. Ultrasounds, X-rays, and MRI scans can usually reveal cellular-level damage to a tendon. Relatively minor or early-stage tendonitis can sometimes be relieved with rest, ice, and pain relievers for about two to four weeks. If the problems become serious, you may need surgery to repair or replace a tendon. With follow-up physical therapy and limited activity for several months, injuries usually heal well.
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