tendinopathy

Question 1

predominated cause of tendinopathy

Answer 1

tendon overuse and mechanical overloading leading degenerative changes rather than inflammation

Question 2

Describe pathophysiolocical features of tendinopathy

Answer 2

-microtears + degenrative cells cause mechanical irritation + inflammation within the tendon
- normal type 1 collagen is replaced by type 3 collagen
-fibers become disorganised, reducing tendon strength
-over activated tendon cells produce excessive proteoglycans + enzymes causing swelling + matrix breakdown. (gag chains)
- abnormal blood vessels + nerve growth contribute to pain + sensitivity
- tendons show cell death, scar tissue formation and sometimes fat accumulation in chronic stages
-tendons become stiffer, less elastic + weaker increasing risk of rupture
-pain arises from nerve growth, mechanical stress and chemical mediators not inflammation.