Frequently Asked Questions About Tendonitis in Athletes
Written by:When talking about tendinitis, we refer to an inflammation of a tendon that, originally, is acute. When that inflammation lengthens in time it becomes chronic, and then we speak of tendinosis.
Why does tendinitis occur?
Tendinitis originates from different circumstances, such as a repeated gesture or movement many times, or a movement in bad position or with poor sports technique. Other times it can be due to external factors like the footwear, the bicycle or a bad grip. Even when performing a poor sports gesture, tendinitis can occur, as it can cause stress on the tendon and, as a consequence, inflammation of the tendon.
Are there groups more likely to suffer from tendinitis? Why?
There are no more likely groups. What is clear is that athletes, due to the repetition of certain movements, may be at greater risk of suffering from tendinitis. In addition, these athletes have to control very well the material that they use and master perfectly the technique and the movement or gesture in their sports specialty.
How To Treat Tendonitis
To treat tendinitis, the first is a correct diagnosis, which should be performed by a doctor specialized in Sports Medicine , through questions and exploration of the athlete. Occasionally we can do complementary tests, mainly an ultrasound or Magnetic Resonance (MRI).
After diagnosis, it is usually recommended to rest the affected area and a rehabilitation regimen with electrotherapy, mobilization, massage and cryotherapy , sometimes accompanied by anti- inflammatory drugs. Once the acute phase is over, it is good to start work on the area , usually by means of eccentric exercises. At the end of the rehabilitation, we start a well-controlled rehabilitation period, so that the athlete gradually resumes his usual sporting activity.
Can it lead to complications, if not treated correctly?
The great problem with tendinitis is that they are chronic, since their treatment is longer. It is much easier to treat and recover one or two months of tendonitis than those tendinosis of 8 months or a year of evolution.
