Tendons are thick and fibrous tissues that provide a connection between the muscles and the joints. Tendons that are most commonly injured are found in shoulders, thumbs, elbows, wrists, hips, and knees. The most famously known Achilles tendon is the one that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Tendinitis and Tendinosis are both health conditions, with similar names, that involves pain in the tendons.
Both of these can put you through a lot of pain, but require courses of treatment that are completely different from each other. Diagnosis is therefore very important so that you are prescribed appropriate treatment.
Tendinitis Symptoms
Tendinitis is the swelling or inflammation of a tendon. This can come from overuse, typically in repetitive motions, athletic activity, or sudden impact or force, like picking up heavy loads. The stress that comes from these activities creates micro-tears in the tendon and leads to inflammation of the tendon that leads to it getting swollen.
Tendinitis Treatments
The recommended treatment for tendinitis is to give the affected tendon and its connected joint, rest so that any damage to it is prevented. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs are also recommended to relieve any swelling or inflammation. Recovery from tendonitis can take several days or even a period of up to six weeks.
Part of the treatment can include exercises and physical therapy to preserve the range of motion and to give added strength to the tendons. At times, braces, splints, or other orthotics are suggested to help in recovery. Some powerful anti-inflammatory medications may also be injected to help relieve the pain and swelling.
Tendinosis Symptoms
With tendinosis, tendons do not show any inflammation and instead is a breakdown in the collagen of the tendon. Collagen is the primary structural protein that is found in tendons, skin, and other connective tissues in the human body. This degeneration can be a result of continued overuse of the tendons without giving them the time to heal.
Unlike Tendinosis, tendinitis does not lead to damage or degeneration of the tendon. It is this difference that makes it necessary for both of these health problems to be treated differently.
Tendinosis Treatments
In the treatment of tendinosis, NSAIDs are not prescribed, as there is no inflammation that will need treatment. Collagen growth is important in the healing of damaged tendons, and this is inhibited if NSAIDS are used. Treatment of tendinosis can take anywhere between six to ten weeks, with the treatment for chronic cases often extending to six months. Severe damage to the tendons can limit the chances of recovery, with the treatment being primarily given to prevent a worsening of the condition.
A ruptured tendon can at times require surgery as part of the treatment. Treatment for tendinosis mainly includes promoting the production of collagen in the body. Rest is imperative. Changes in how you work to reduce the strain of the tendons can help, as can the use of ice, and braces. Massages can stimulate circulation and promote the development of collagen.