Tendinopathy: Setting the Record Straight

• Tendinopathy is most commonly caused by a conditions called Tendinosis rather than Tendinitis.
• Tendinosis is characterized by a failed healing response and lack of inflammation.
• Corticosteroid injections for tendinipathy may relieve the pain for a few weeks but will leave the tendon weaker and more prone to recurrent tendinipathy.

Tendinopathy is a commonly diagnosed injury. Traditionally, tendinopathy was considered to be caused by an inflammatory process. It is now known that a majority of tendinopathies are caused by tendinosis, a failed healing response resulting in a degenerated tendon. The recurrent nature of tendinopathies can present a challenge for the health care provider and be very frustrating for the patient. There are several principles that should be followed when treating tendinopathies. These principles include rest, ice, eccentric exercises, and avoidance of corticosteroid injections. Proper treatment of tendinopathies can lead to optimal healing and decrease the risk of recurrence.