PhysioMonkey

Definition: Any problems with tendons.

Definition: Tendon : inelastic cord that attaches muscle to bone.

There are a number of different problems that all tend to get lumped in as "tendinitis".

These include:

1. RSI.
2. Tendinitis.
3. Tendinosis.
4. Tenosynovitis (tenovaginitis in the US).

1 - RSI

Look under the post "Condition - RSI" under the category "What is?".  RSI tends to be lumped in with tendinopathies but isn't quite.

2 - Tendinitis

Definition: tendinitis : inflammation of a tendon

This is nearly worthy of puttng under the category of "Controversy" but not quite. 

Historically any tendon trouble less than about 2-3 weeks old was diagnosed as tendinitis.  In fact it seems likely that tendons rarely inflame; they're not vascular (not many blood vessels) enough to do so. 

The usual treatment has been steroid injections.  These are now not recommended.  The major action of steroids is as an anti-inflammatory; tendinitis rarely exists hence little inflammation to treat.  In fact the physical damage of putting a needle into a damaged tendon often makes the tendon weaker and more likely to rupture.  If you are advised to have an injection into a "tendinitis" make sure you have talked about this!

3 - Tendinosis

Definition: tendinosis : chronic deterioration of the tendon

Much more common than tendinitis.  Tendinosis happens as a gradual accumulation of tiny amounts of damage to the tendon.  Over time this damage adds up to enough to cause pain and disability.  Historically any tendon pain over about 1 month was called tendinosis.  Treatment is rest and slow building up of nomal stresses through the tissues (ie gentle exercises and stretches).  This can take months; some people never respond well.  Anti-inflammatories and injections are not helpful.  Sometimes surgery is recommended; this depends on the individual circumstances and is not a panacea.

4 - Tenosynovitis (Tenovaginitis)

Definition: tenosynovitis : inflammation of a tendon sheath

Some tendons (notably for us in the wrist) have sheaths that they move inside of.  This can be inflamed via similar over-use problems and can be as painful and debilitating as the others.  You may have heard of "de Quervain's" disease; this is an example of tenosynovitis in the wrist. 

Injections can be useful as a treatment for this.  Otherwise the same treatment regimes as for tendinosis will work.

Further Information

Further and more technical detail can be found here.

Related Posts

What is - R.S.I.

Repetitive Injury and Pain