Tendons connect muscles to bones, helping with movement. These tendons expand and contract, and can be injured during activities or movement. There are various types of tendon injuries, varying in severity, but recovery is possible. If you have injured a tendon, it is best to contact your health care provider to obtain an accurate diagnosis and subsequent treatment.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis is a condition in which a tendon is inflamed or irritated. It usually causes pain near a joint, and can also be called tennis elbow, jumper's knee and swimmer's shoulder. Tendinitis can be caused by an acute injury, but is typically caused by repetitive movements or overuse. Treatment for this condition is usually rest, ice and anti-inflammatory drugs, but corticosteroids or physical therapy may be prescribed. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.
Tenosynovitis
Tendons are surrounded by a sheath, and inflammation of the lining of this sheath is known as tenosynovitis, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This condition may be caused by infection, injury, strain, overuse or an unknown reason. Although tenosynovitis can occur with any tendon sheath, the most commonly affected areas include the wrists, hands and feet, says the University of Maryland. Depending on the cause, treatment may include antibiotics, immobilization of the tendons and anti-inflammatory drugs or corticosteroids.
Avulsion
An avulsion is an acute injury that occurs when a tendon is torn from its attachment site on a bone, says Whitney Lowe, a licensed massage therapist, on Massage Today. This typically occurs at places where a large muscle attaches to a smaller bone, like the hamstring. If a piece of bone is torn off as well, this is called an avulsion fracture. According to Dr. Edward Laskowski, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist on MayoClinic.com, this injury usually heals without surgery, and typical treatment involves rest and icing the area.
Tendinosis
While it may sound like tendinitis, tendinosis is a different and separate condition. Tendinosis is a chronic degenerative process without inflammation being present, says the University of Washington-Seattle. There may be scar tissue or calcium deposits in the tendon, since the healing response does not occur. The University of Washington lists treatments for this condition, including autologous blood injections, in which the individual's own blood is taken from the arm and injected into the degenerating tendon to stimulate healing; needling the tendon, which involves repeated poking of the tendon, causing it to bleed and subsequently start healing; and injecting platelet-rich plasma into the tendon.
