Tendonitis

Symptoms vary depending on which tendon is affected, but it will often cause an ache or pain which is localised to the area of the affected tendon, (e.g. where the achilles attaches into the heel bone). Stiffness and discomfort first thing in the morning, which gradually improves with gentle movement is common, but often the pain can be worse after heavy exercise. Occaisionally the tendon may be thickened and tender to the touch, and sometimes there may be a creaking sensation around the tendon with movement.

Your consultant will examine you and you’ll be asked questions about how you exercise, and how the pain is affecting you. You will be examined to see how your movement (biomechanics) may be contributing to the problem, and sometimes you may be asked to undergo a gait analysis assessment. You may also be sent for tests such as an ultrasound scan, or sometimes an MRI scan.

Rehabilitation (such as physiotherapy or osteopathy) is the mainstay of treatment. Tendons frequently need to be loaded in a certain way to improve the capacity of the tendon and the attached muscle to manage load. This is typically done in a graded fashion with specific exercises. You will also be guided on how to return to activity. Sometimes a course of shockwave therapy is recommended, and occaisionally in cases where conventional treatment isn’t working, PRP injections, or even surgery may be advised..