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Tendinopathies

Tendinopathies can affect anyone from different age groups, work and even sports / physical activities. They're so common and prevalent causing

• pain
• decreased range of motion
• instability
• definitely decreasing quality of life

Tendinopathies tend to affect more athletes, active individuals and those who are involved in repetitive occupational tasks.

Tendinitis vs Tendinopathy

Okay, first things first, people often use "tendinitis" as the same with "tendinopathy", but there is a big difference.

1. Tendinitis refers to inflammation, and tendon is normal, just injured.
2. Tendinopathy however, may not have inflammation, and the tendon may have undergone degeneration

That being said, nowadays, the term "tendinopathy" is more accurate as tendons that get inflamed will get some level of degeneration anyway.

the different types of Tendinopathy: Classifications

1. Tendinitis or Tendonitis is an acute tendon inflammation, usually is caused by / from direct trauma or injury, overuse or repetitive strain. As it's part of the active inflammatory process, patients will also experience pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion.
   
   
2. Tendinosis is a chronic degenerative condition of the tendon that happens when ongoing repetitive micro-injuries do not have sufficient time or ability to heal properly or fully. Tendinosis isnt the same as tendinities, so it will may not have active inflammation (or the symptoms of that). It is the breakdown of collagen fibers inside the tendon, leading to structural changes (and can increase chances of tendon rupture).
   
   
3. Paratendonitis and Tenosynovitis: These involve inflammation or irritation of the paratendon (the outer layer of the tendon) or the tenosynovium (the sheath surrounding certain tendons) due to injury or repetitive friction. They cause pain and limited function of the affected tendon. Sometimes the tendon can get "jammed" or locked. Common examples are de Quervain's tenosynovitis and trigger finger.
   
   
4. Insertional Tendinopathy: This tendinopathy happens where the tendon attaches to the bone (the insertion site). It can involve inflammation, degeneration, or a combination of both at the tendon-bone interface. Common ones are biceps tendinitis, Achilles tendinitis.
   
   
5. Mid-Substance Tendinopathy: Mid-substance tendinopathy refers to conditions affecting the middle or central portion of the tendon rather than the end attachment points. It's usually related to chronic overuse and may involve changes in the tendon's structure without significant inflammation.

Specific Tendinopathies