Tendonitis in Southend-on-Sea & Leigh-on-Sea, Essex

We offer treatment to help with tendinopathy and the pain associated with tendonitis in Southend at The Body Matters. Treatments are available from our clinic based in Leigh-on-Sea. We also offer telephone & online support and remote consultations. Call us on 01702 714968 for more information.

What is tendonitis or tendinopathy?

Tendonitis, also known as tendinitis, is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon, the thick cord that attaches muscle to bone. It commonly occurs in areas such as the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle. Tendinitis has become a common issue affecting between 6 and 17% of the population and is one of the most common pain conditions in the sporting population. The problem is, the name tendinitis has now become obsolete because the condition itself is now not deemed to be an inflammatory condition. A more appropriate name is tendinopathy, which is a broad term used to describe predominantly degenerative conditions that cause pain, swelling, weakness, and stiffness of the tendon.

What causes tendonitis?

Although the cause of tendon pain is not fully understood it is generally thought that repeated overloading of the tendon via muscle overuse, causes degeneration and disorganisation of collagen fibres, thickening of the tendon, and causing neovascularisation (new blood vessels) and new nerve endings in the expanded tissue. This is known as tendinosis.

Now the typical presentation of tendinopathy can be either a sudden or gradual increase in sensitivity and pain that may or may not be activity-related and may or may not be more sensitive after periods of rest. They can present in multiple ways but diagnosis is made by asking the right questions identifying and localising the sensitive spot and using anatomical knowledge to identify the structures involved.

Which tendons are likely to develop pain or become inflamed?

Theoretically, any tendon in the body can develop pain, however, the reality is that certain tendons seem more prone to tendonitis than others. In the lower limb, we have the Achilles tendon at the heel, the patellar tendon under the knee cap and the gluteus medius tendon on the outside of the hip, which is the most common. But there are also perineal (lateral ankle) and pes anserine (medial knee) tendinopathies that we need to be mindful of. The upper limb has the classic tennis and golfers elbow, long head of biceps and rotator cuff tendinopathies but again tendon pain could affect the wrist and fingers.

Can tendonitis occur in multiple locations simultaneously?

Yes, tendonitis can occur in multiple locations simultaneously. This often occurs due to systemic factors like overuse, repetitive stress, or underlying inflammatory conditions affecting several tendons throughout the body. It can be challenging as it may result from a combination of biomechanical issues, lifestyle factors, or systemic diseases. Proper diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment approach, including addressing contributing factors and adopting preventive measures, are crucial for managing the condition effectively. Incorporating strategies to reduce overall tendon stress can aid in alleviating symptoms and preventing further complications.

Can tendonitis be prevented?

Preventing tendonitis involves adopting proactive measures to minimise the risk of tendon inflammation. Proper warm-up routines before physical activity, using correct techniques during exercises, and gradually increasing intensity can help. Regular breaks during repetitive activities, maintaining good posture, and incorporating stretching exercises into fitness routines contribute to prevention. Adequate rest between intense workouts and addressing any biomechanical issues are essential. Additionally, individuals should be mindful of ergonomic factors in their work environments. A well-balanced approach to physical activity, coupled with attention to overall joint and muscle health, can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing tendonitis.

How to manage and treat tendinopathies?

Management of tendinopathies can feel diverse but it is essentially split between symptom management and rehabilitation. Symptom management can be more complicated, and the more pain someone is in means that they can do fewer rehabilitation exercises, so the process can be prolonged and drawn out.

Are there specific exercises that can help prevent tendonitis?

Strengthening exercises that target the muscles around vulnerable tendons can help prevent tendonitis. Eccentric exercises, which involve lengthening the muscle under tension, are often recommended for this purpose. It is essentially imperative to exercise and pain up to a 5 out of 10 is considered perfectly safe. Convincing someone in pain to exercise can be challenging but ultimately rest and avoidance do these conditions no long-term good at all and will be detrimental to overall tissue health the longer we avoid things that aggravate the pain. We just need to be mindful of how painful it is as I don’t want my patients to suffer unnecessarily.

Diagnosis, education, symptom management and rehabilitation are the ways to tendon recovery, so let The Body Matters lead you down the road!

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