Dr. Timothy Young, a Board-Certified Foot Surgeon Discusses Common Tendon Problems
Many of our patients have heard of tendon problems such as tendinitis. Over the last few years there has been some clarification of some of these tendon pathologies and conditions.
-Tendinitis is a still useful term, this typically involves the acute injury of the tendon with inflammation.
-Tendinosis is different where there is not so much inflammation as there is damage and degenerative changes within the tendon to thickening and abnormality of both the tendon and the collagen organization within the tendon itself. This can be due to chronic overuse and natural aging also.
-Tenosynovitis. This often involves the outer tendon sheath which has a synovial lining. When this lining becomes inflamed there is synovitis with tenderness. There also may be changes with the tendon itself
-Paratendonosis, there is the outer synovial sheath adjacent to the tendon or the paratendon. There is no typical tendon sheath with the Achilles tendon but rather a paratenon which is a lining around the tendon. This can become inflamed. This would be considered paratendinitis or paratendinosis (if there is associated thickening of the tendon and degenerative changes within the tendon).
Each of these conditions can be somewhat different and can require a slightly different treatment approach. In general, we want to address the biomechanics of the individual to help decrease the workload on the tendon. Sometimes complete resting is necessary, and a cast boot may be helpful. Cross training may be possible with mild cases. Icing and anti-inflammatories can also be helpful for these conditions. There are special braces and KT tape. Many of these tendon conditions respond very favorably to shockwave therapy. PRP can be another treatment. The whole goal is to restore normal pain free activity and tendon function.
If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today.
If you are experiencing foot or ankle pain, give us a call at 425-391-8666 or make an appointment online today.
