Tendinosis: what is it, symptoms and how is the treatment performed

Tendinosis corresponds to the process of tendon degeneration, which often occurs as a result of tendinitis that has not been treated correctly. Despite this, tendinosis is always related to an inflammatory process, which is why the doctor must identify it through diagnostic tests such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging.

In tendinitis there is inflammation around the tendon, although in the tendon the tendon itself is weakened and presents areas of fluid accumulation and small rupture zones that can cause the complete rupture of the tendon, even with small strains.

It is more common for tendinosis to affect the tendons of the supraspinatus, around the shoulder; los de la rotula, en la rodilla; the Achilles tendon, in the heel, and the rotators’ cuff, also in the shoulder. Shoulder tendinosis generally occurs in athletes and people who have to stay a long time with their arms raised, as is the case of plastic artists and teachers, for example.

The treatment of tendinosis is carried out with the objective of regenerating the joint through stimulation of collagen production, in addition to rest.

main symptoms

The symptoms of tendinosis are the misms of tendinitis, and include the following:

• Local pain;
• muscle weakness;
• Difficulty performing movements with the affected joint;
• Take local hinchazón;
• Joint instability.

The diagnosis of tendinosis is performed using magnetic resonance imaging, where the process of tendon degradation can be observed.

The tendinosis may be associated with the chronicity of a tendinitis, which is mainly caused by repetitive movements. However, it could be the result of a great muscular effort, which generates the overload of the joint and directly affects the tendon. Vascular injury to the tendon and excessive use of the joint are also common causes of tendinosis. Learn more about tendinitis.

How is the treatment performed?

The treatment of tendinosis is carried out with the aim of stimulating collagen production and increasing muscle strength to allow tendon regeneration and decrease pain. Similarly, the use of analgesics to relieve pain and physical therapy sessions to reduce inflammation may be indicated. Anti-inflammatory drugs are not always indicated, but in certain cases there is no associated inflammation, and their use is unnecessary. However, infiltrations with corticosteroids can be applied.

To help with tendon recovery, it is important to rest the joint, avoid moving it, perform stretching and kinesitherapy exercises. In addition, a technique that has good results when used in the treatment of tendinosis is shock wave therapy, in which a device emits sound waves through the body with the objective of stimulating the repair of various injuries and relieving inflammation . Know how shock wave therapy is performed.

The recovery time varies between 3 to 6 months, depending on the degree of degeneration of the tendon and on the treatment if it is being carried out in the manner indicated by the doctor.