Tendinitis

Tendinitis

A tendon is a connector between a muscle and a bone. A tendon transfers muscle activity to a bone. A tendonitis, or tendinitis, is a common musculoskeletal condition characterized by inflammation and irritation of tendons. A tendon is less well supplied with blood than a muscle, so tendon recovery generally takes longer than a muscle injury. Tendonitis can occur in various parts of the body, including shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees and ankles. Listed below are a few common tendonitis conditions that we can diagnose and treat, through orthopedic manual therapy.

Tennis elbow (Epicondylitis Lateralis)

In tennis elbow, there is tendonitis that causes symptoms where the tendons of the extensor muscles of the wrist attach to the bone of the upper arm. If the complaint is present for more than 3 months, it is referred to as chronic tennis elbow. Causes of tennis elbow may include: Repetitive movements of the wrist/elbow, Heavy/static stress on the extensor tendons of the wrist, Stance misalignment/restrictions in the mobility of the wrist, Improper techniques while playing a sport that involves heavy use of the arms and trauma to the wrist and/or elbow region.

Through diagnostics, the OMT practitioner can determine if tennis elbow is present. The possible origin of the complaint will then be examined. The shoulder, wrist, and neck may also be involved, so these will also be included in the physical examination.

Golfer's elbow (Epicondylitis Medialis)

With a golfer's elbow, there is tendonitis where complaints arise where the tendons of the wrist flexors attach to the bone of the upper arm. If the complaint is present for more than 3 months, it is referred to as a chronic golfer's elbow. Causes of golfer's elbow may include: Repetitive movements of the wrist/elbow, Heavy/static stress on the flexor tendons of the wrist, Stance misalignment/restrictions in the mobility of the wrist, Improper techniques while playing a sport that involves heavy use of the arms and trauma to the wrist and/or elbow region.

Through diagnostics, the OMT practitioner can determine if the golfer's elbow is present. The possible origin of the complaint will then be examined. The shoulder, wrist, and neck may also be involved, so these will also be included in the physical examination.

Achilles tendinitis

Achilles tendonitis is overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, usually due to overuse, without taking adequate rest, and excessive chronic strain (overuse) of the tendon, improper footwear can also play a major role. It can occur in both athletes and non-athletes. The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the human musculoskeletal system. The calf muscle runs into the Achilles tendon, which in turn attaches to the heel bone.

Through diagnostics, the OMT practitioner can determine if Achilles tendinitis is present. The possible origin of the complaint will then be examined. The ankle and heel (track) may also be involved, so these will also be included in the physical examination.

Sweaters Knee

The patellar tendon is the tendon that connects the kneecap to the tibia. Due to irritation of the tendon, pain, and swelling sometimes occurs on the underside of the kneecap. This is called a Jumper’s Knee. The condition is most common in people (mostly men) between the ages of 15-30 who play sports such as soccer, basketball, volleyball, and track and field. The formal name for this condition is patellar tendinopathy (patellar tendinitis). The main cause of a Jumper’s knee is an imbalance of stress on the patellar tendon during sports.

Through diagnostics, the OMT practitioner can determine if a Jumper’s Knee is present. The possible origin of the complaint will then be examined. The ankle and improper footwear may also be involved, so these are also included in the physical examination.

Rotator Cuff Tendinitis (rotator cuff tendinitis shoulder)

Rotator Cuff tendinitis is a condition in which the tendons in the shoulder become inflamed and irritated. The rotator cuff is a group of four muscles/tendons that stabilize the shoulder joint and allow movements, such as lifting and rotating the arm. When these tendons are overused or overloaded with many repetitive movements, such as overhead activities or certain sports, they can become damaged and inflamed.

Through diagnostics, the OMT practitioner can determine if Rotator Cuff Tendinitis is present. The possible origin of the complaint will then be examined. The neck and upper back may also be involved, so these will also be included in the physical examination.

Do you recognize any of these complaints in yourself? Then contact Orthomedix and make a quick appointment with one of our specialized therapists.

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