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When tendon injuries do not heal with nonsurgical treatments such as rest, medications, and physical therapy, surgical repair may be necessary to restore function. During tendon repair surgery, the torn or damaged tendon is sutured and reattached to its original site, helping the individual regain strength, flexibility, and normal movement in the affected area.
When tendon injuries do not heal with nonsurgical treatments such as rest, medications, and physical therapy, surgical repair may be necessary to restore function. ... Read More
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A tendon injury, often referred to as tendinopathy, is a condition characterised by pain, swelling, and impaired function in the affected area. These injuries face a degeneration of the tendon due to chronic overuse. This happens when the tendons—tough fibres that connect our muscles to bones—are damaged or irritated. It commonly occurs around joints like the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle.
In India, millions of people suffer from various forms of tendon injuries every year. These injuries can significantly impact the quality of life as they often involve critical areas such as the Achilles tendon or wrists, which are essential for mobility and day-to-day tasks. Data shows that such conditions are especially prevalent among older adults and those involved in high-impact activities or labor-intensive jobs.
Tendon injuries result from a combination of factors that can either be gradual or sudden:
Tendon injuries typically fall into two main categories:
Common examples of tendon injuries are Achilles tendonitis (ankle), Patellar tendonitis (also known as Jumper’s Knee), Tennis elbow (also referred to as lateral epicondylitis), and Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis).
The primary symptoms associated with a tendon injury include:
The diagnosis of a tendon injury is based upon several factors:
Treatment for tendon injuries, which include tendinitis and tendinosis, involves initial self-care measures, medical interventions, and possibly surgical options depending on the severity of the injury.
Initial treatment typically includes
In situations where symptoms persist, several non-surgical treatments may be considered:
If conservative treatments do not yield results, surgical intervention may be a necessity, especially for complete ruptures or severe tears. This could involve:
Post-surgery, rehabilitation becomes crucial. Individuals typically wear a cast or boot for protection and carry out physical therapy to regain strength and mobility. Recovery time varies widely based on the severity of the injury as well as the complexity of the surgery, ranging anywhere from several weeks to months.
A tendon injury can be considered serious under certain conditions that result in notable functional impairment or structural damage. Here are the primary indicators of a serious tendon injury:
Preventing these injuries is possible through proactive strategies:
Understanding tendon injuries is often clouded by myths. Here are some common misconceptions:
Myth: Only athletes get tendon injuries.
Fact: Anyone can develop a tendon injury due to activities or certain medical conditions.
Myth: Complete rest is the best treatment for tendonitis.
Fact: Gentle movement and specific exercises promoting tendon loading are more effective than inactivity.
Myth: Steroid injections provide a quick fix for tendonitis treatment.
Fact: Steroid injections can provide temporary relief but may weaken the tendon over time.
Myth: Pain always indicates damage in tendon tear treatment.
Fact: The level of pain doesn’t necessarily correlate with the extent of tendon damage.
You should seek immediate medical attention if you:
Here are some common questions you may ask your doctor if you suspect a tendon injury:
Tendon injuries are rather common in India, affecting a significant portion of the population. They can occur due to a variety of reasons, such as overuse, ageing, or a sudden injury. Among these, Achilles tendon injuries are particularly widespread among sportspersons and those who engage in regular physical activities.
The Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord that connects the muscles in the back of your calf to your heel bone. This tendon can get injured or inflamed due to overuse or a sudden increase in physical activity, resulting in a condition known as Achilles tendonitis. In severe cases, the Achilles tendon can even rupture.
The Achilles tendon is subject to a great amount of stress during activities like running and jumping. Furthermore, it does not have a rich blood supply, which can make the healing process slower and hence increase the risk of injury.
Ligaments are tough bands of tissue that connect bones together at joints. A ligament injury can occur as a sprain (stretching or tearing of the ligament) or a complete rupture. Treatment often involves rest, ice application, compression, and elevation (known as RICE), along with physiotherapy and potentially surgery in severe cases.
Yes, a ligament injury can occur simultaneously with a tendon injury since both of these structures have similar functions and are equally susceptible to stress and strain. A person with a foot ligament injury might also experience a tendon injury if the foot is subjected to excessive force or pressure.
It depends on the severity of the injury; low-impact activities that do not stress the injured area may be safe but should be discussed with your doctor.
Minor tendon tears may heal with conservative treatment methods over time, but significant tears often require surgical intervention. All tendon injuries must be assessed by a doctor to determine the best course of treatment.
While both tendon tears and ruptures refer to damage to the tendon, they are not exactly the same. A tendon tear refers to partial tearing or fraying of the tendon, while a rupture refers to a completely severed tendon. Both conditions, however, require immediate medical attention and possibly an operation for optimal recovery.
Ignoring a tendon injury can lead to chronic pain, decreased mobility, and potential long-term damage that may require surgical intervention.
Yes, while not all injuries can be prevented, taking appropriate preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of tendon injuries. These measures include performing proper warm-up exercises before physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing supportive footwear, especially during athletic activities, and taking regular breaks during repetitive tasks to avoid overuse injuries.
