Tendonitis (also tendinitis), meaning inflammation of a tendon, is a type of tendon injury. The term is generally reserved for tendon injuries that involve larger-scale acute injuries accompanied by inflammation.
Tendinitis is typically referred to in combination with the body part involved, such as Achilles tendinitis (affecting the Achilles tendon), or patellar tendinitis (jumper’s knee, affecting the patellar tendon).
Typically, people with acute tendonitis will experience pain when loading the tendon (e.g. in the Achilles heel region with Achilles tendonitis) and consequently a degree of disability. There may also be local swelling and heat due to acute inflammation.
Normally rest, icing the area, and gentle activity can resolve minor problems quickly. However, if symptoms do not resolve it may be necessary to consult your osteopath to evaluate if there is a functional reason for why the problem has occurred. They will provide treatment to change the factors that may be predisposing to or maintaining the problem.
At the osteopaths we can evaluate your movements, including gait analysis and cycling posture if relevant, to help understand what may be happening and to help us treat you effectively.
