I posted a little something a few weeks ago about the differences between tendonitis and tendonosis. I think this topic is worth an entire blog because it’s just that important. Knowing how to go about addressing both of these issues can save you a lot of time and trouble.
Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon. It’s painful and the area may swell or look and feel warm- a few of the obvious signs of inflammation. You may have experienced lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) medial epicondylitis (golfers elbow), de quervain’s tenosynovitis, or a bunch of other kinds of tendonitis. True tendonitis can be pretty short lived. Rest will typically take care of it in the short term. But many people who experience tendonitis aren’t permanently resting from the activity that caused it. (And I don’t expect them to.) So pain generally returns once they get back to that activity. Here’s the most important sentence in this entire blog:
If you think you are experiencing tendonitis, go find out why.
Do not depend on meds, shots, or ice to fix the problem. Do not rest from the activity and then go right back to it once you feel better. These fixes only take away the symptoms. The problem is still present. At this stage, the problem is probably pretty simple to fix.
Tendonosis is what you get if you let tendonitis go on too long. It is an actual change in the fibers of the tendon, more than irritation. Smooth, organized fibers are replaced by a frayed damaged mess. The pain feels much more chronic. It can be treated, but it is a real challenge and will likely cause you to break from activity for a few months. It’s not fun for anyone involved. But, if this is where you are, it’s not too late to do something about it. I’ll be your cheerleader as I get you through it!
To sum it all up:
- If something hurts, find out why
- If you have had chronic pain, call it what it is (tendonosis) and get yourself some help!
Dr. Rachel Atufunwa PT, DPT