Tendinopathy Overview

Question 1

What is overuse tendinopathy?

Answer 1

A chronic condition caused by repetitive strain on a tendon, leading to pain and dysfunction.

Question 2

What are common tendons affected by overuse tendinopathy?

Answer 2

Achilles tendon, patellar tendon, rotator cuff tendons, forearm tendons.

Question 3

What is another term for Achilles tendinopathy?

Answer 3

Achillodynia.

Question 4

What is the typical age range for Achilles tendinopathy?

Answer 4

30–60 years old.

Question 5

What are risk factors for developing tendinopathy?

Answer 5

Overuse, sudden increase in activity, poor biomechanics, older age, fluoroquinolone use.

Question 6

What medications are associated with increased risk of tendinopathy?

Answer 6

Fluoroquinolones (e.g., ciprofloxacin).

Question 7

What is the main clinical symptom of tendinopathy?

Answer 7

Pain during or after activity, often worse in the morning or after rest.

Question 8

What are key clinical findings of tendinopathy on examination?

Answer 8

Localized tenderness, thickening of the tendon, pain with resisted movement.

Question 9

What is the role of ultrasound in diagnosing tendinopathy?

Answer 9

Identifies tendon thickening, hypoechoic areas, and neovascularization.

Question 10

What imaging modality is used for unclear cases of tendinopathy?

Answer 10

MRI without contrast.

Question 11

What are common differential diagnoses for Achilles tendinopathy?

Answer 11

Retrocalcaneal bursitis, Haglund exostosis, calcaneal apophysitis.

Question 12

What is the first-line treatment for tendinopathy?

Answer 12

Conservative management, including physical therapy and activity modification.

Question 13

What role do corticosteroid injections play in tendinopathy management?

Answer 13

Generally avoided due to the risk of tendon rupture.

Question 14

What is eccentric loading therapy?

Answer 14

A physical therapy technique involving controlled lengthening of the tendon to promote healing.

Question 15

When is surgical treatment considered for tendinopathy?

Answer 15

In refractory cases that do not improve with conservative management.

Question 16

What is lateral epicondylitis commonly known as?

Answer 16

Tennis elbow.

Question 17

What is medial epicondylitis commonly known as?

Answer 17

Golfer’s elbow.

Question 18

What is the most common cause of patellar tendinopathy?

Answer 18

Repetitive jumping (jumper’s knee).

Question 19

What conservative treatments are used for rotator cuff tendinopathy?

Answer 19

Activity modification, physical therapy, NSAIDs, eccentric strengthening.

Question 20

What is iliotibial band syndrome?

Answer 20

A form of tendinopathy due to repetitive friction of the IT band over the lateral femoral epicondyle.

Question 21

What interventions are used for refractory tendinopathy cases?

Answer 21

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy, platelet-rich plasma injections, surgical debridement.

Question 22

What is the most common cause of insertional tendinopathy?

Answer 22

Chronic overuse leading to repetitive strain at the tendon’s insertion site.

Question 23

What is the Royal London test used for?

Answer 23

To diagnose Achilles tendinopathy by assessing tenderness with dorsiflexion.

Question 24

What is the arc sign in Achilles tendinopathy?

Answer 24

A test where a thickened portion of the tendon moves relative to the malleoli with ankle motion.

Question 25

What is the main goal of tendinopathy treatment?

Answer 25

Pain reduction, restoration of function, and prevention of recurrence.

Question 27

What is the first step in managing overuse tendinopathy?

Answer 27

Relative rest and activity modification to reduce strain on the tendon.

Question 28

What conservative treatments are recommended for tendinopathy?

Answer 28

Relative rest, ice, orthotic braces, physical therapy, NSAIDs.

Question 29

What is the role of NSAIDs in tendinopathy management?

Answer 29

Short-term pain relief, usually for 7–14 days; does not alter tendon healing.

Question 30

What type of exercise is most beneficial for tendinopathy rehabilitation?

Answer 30

Eccentric strengthening exercises to promote tendon remodeling.

Question 31

What is the recommended duration of conservative therapy before considering advanced treatments?

Answer 31

At least 3 months of consistent therapy.

Question 32

When should a patient with tendinopathy be referred to an orthopedic specialist?

Answer 32

If symptoms persist for ≥3 months despite conservative treatment.

Question 33

What are noninvasive treatment options for refractory tendinopathy?

Answer 33

Corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma injections, topical nitroglycerin, extracorporeal shock wave therapy.

Question 34

What is the risk of repeated corticosteroid injections for tendinopathy?

Answer 34

Increased risk of tendon rupture.

Question 35

What surgical options exist for tendinopathy that does not respond to conservative treatment?

Answer 35

Ultrasound-guided debridement, tendon resection, open debridement.

Question 36

What is the role of orthotic braces in tendinopathy management?

Answer 36

They help reduce tendon strain and provide support during activity.

Question 37

How does extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) help in tendinopathy?

Answer 37

Stimulates healing and reduces pain by promoting tissue regeneration.

Question 38

What is the purpose of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections in tendinopathy?

Answer 38

May promote tendon healing by delivering growth factors to the affected tissue.

Question 39

What role does topical nitroglycerin play in tendinopathy treatment?

Answer 39

Enhances local blood flow and may promote healing.

Question 40

What lifestyle modifications can help prevent tendinopathy recurrence?

Answer 40

Proper warm-up, gradual training progression, strengthening exercises, avoiding repetitive strain.

Question 41

What is the goal of physical therapy in tendinopathy treatment?

Answer 41

To strengthen the tendon and surrounding muscles while promoting tissue healing.

Question 42

When should surgery be considered for tendinopathy?

Answer 42

In cases of chronic, severe pain unresponsive to 6+ months of conservative treatment.