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Distinguishing Tendonitis from Tendinosis: Recognizing the Key Differences

Acute tendon inflammation, often from injury, overuse, or strain, is known as tendonitis. Conversely, tendinosis arises from degeneration and requires more time to heal.

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Acute inflammation occurs in tendons due to injury, excessive use, or strain, a condition known as...
Acute inflammation occurs in tendons due to injury, excessive use, or strain, a condition known as tendonitis. On the other hand, tendinosis arises from degeneration and requires time to heal.

Distinguishing Tendonitis from Tendinosis: Recognizing the Key Differences

Revised Article:

Let's tackle the conundrum that often leaves you hobbling - tendon pain. Whether it's your knee, elbow, shoulder, hip, or ankle, recurring tendon flare-ups can be a real game-changer. And chances are, you've already labeled it as tendonitis. But hold up, mate! It could very well be tendinosis instead.

The Lowdown:

Both tendonitis and tendinosis are football-size nightmares lurking in your body, connecting your muscles to your bones, and helping you move like a boss. These bad boys usually guard against muscle injuries by taking the hit during runs, jumps, and other high-impact activities, but aren't too keen on getting bombed themselves.

And here's the rub - they're not always triggered by the same baddies. Sports medicine physicians Dominic King, DO, and Jason Genin, DO, see 'em daily, but do you know what's causing your pain?

Tendonitis vs. Tendinosis: What's the Difference?

Distinguishing between these two conditions is crucial, as their treatment can differ significantly. When your tendon is all puffy and hurts like a mother, we're witnessing tendonitis. It's an acute injury caused by inflammation. On the other hand, tendinosis is the fruit of degeneration and usually takes a while to heal.

Think of tendonitis as the party bloater that can be caused by strain, overuse, or injury, while tendinosis is the chronic degenerator that forms when the tendon's protein-loaded collagen fibers break down. The tendon becomes hard, thick, scarred, and rubbery, failing to bounce back.

Where do they hang out?

Tendinitis and tendinosis can crop up anywhere tendons exist, but common spots include:

  • Your elbow's outer common extensor tendon.
  • Your shoulder's rotator cuff.
  • Your patellar tendon, connecting your kneecap to your shin bone.
  • Your hip's outer gluteal tendons.
  • Your heel's Achilles tendon.

Signs and Symptoms:

When comparing these conditions, remember that "itis" signals inflammation, while "osis" hints at something more serious or abnormal.

With tendonitis, you'll experience swelling, tightness, and a dull ache worsening with movement, along with tenderness and pain to the touch.

On the other hand, signs of tendinosis include pain, stiffness, and a burning sensation increasing after activity, decreased range of motion, and the presence of a tender lump in the affected area.

Examination and Diagnosis:

Identifying either condition is a breeze for healthcare providers, who can pinpoint tendon issues using simple tests measuring your mobility and strength. An ultrasound can confirm the swelling and inflammation of tendonitis or flag the chronic degenerative changes brought on by tendinosis.

Care and Treatment:

Tendonitis treatment revolves around reducing inflammation and preventing further damage. Over-the-counter pain meds like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen may be prescribed, as well as RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and physical therapy. For more severe cases, corticosteroid injections may be necessary.

Tendinosis treatment focuses on repairing the damage through rest, physical therapy, strengthening exercises, and sometimes injections of bone marrow concentrate, PRP, or other advanced therapies. Surgery may be required in extreme cases.

The Bottom Line:

Regardless of which condition you're dealing with, seeking medical attention promptly when symptoms emerge is crucial. Tendonitis tends to improve within six weeks with proper care, while tendinosis requires comprehensive, long-term treatment to alleviate symptoms and promote healing.

Your quick return to the game is the goal, and understanding the nature of your injury is the first step toward achieving it. Hop to it!

  1. Maintaining good health and preventing chronic diseases, such as tendonitis or tendinosis, is essential for optimal health and wellness, especially for those actively involved in sports.
  2. Science has uncovered fascinating details about tendon-related medical conditions, and it's important to recognize the differences between tendonitis and tendinosis to receive appropriate treatment for your specific condition.
  3. When undergoing medical treatment for sports-related injuries, such as tendinosis or tendonitis, it's crucial to be mindful of health-and-wellness strategies to support recovery and promote a speedy return to sports activities.

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