Difference Between Tendonitis and Tendinopathy?

Do you hear the terms “tendonitis” and “tendinopathy” and are unsure what the difference is? The symptoms are virtually identical and often require similar treatment methods, but these terms describe different conditions. If you’re experiencing pain in any tendon, you likely have some form of Tendinopathy, a broad term describing any issue involving a tendon. A tendonitis is indeed a form of Tendinopathy, but it is a much more specific condition involving inflammation of a tendon. If you’re feeling pain in a tendon and looking for the best occupational therapy Long Island offers, visit us at East End Occupational Therapy.

Tendinopathy

Tendinopathy is a broad term that describes any condition involving pain and swelling in a tendon. There are a variety of factors that can cause tendinopathy conditions, most of which involve activity and individual physical characteristics. Common causes of Tendinopathy are listed below:

• Overuse of the tendon.
• Intense weight Training. 
• Frequent running.
• Contact sports.
• Sports that require a lot of running, jumping, and/or cutting.
• Sports that put a lot of strain on the shoulders and elbows.
• The poor technique (weight training, running, technique within a sport).
• Frequent, repetitive movements.

Who is at Risk for Tendinopathy?

While anyone can end up dealing with Tendinopathy, it is important to be aware of factors that may heighten your risk. Many of these causes and risk factors also apply to tendonitis, as it is a specific form of Tendinopathy involving inflammation. Common risk factors for Tendinopathy are listed below:

• Athletes.
• People with weak muscle strength.
• People who repetitively perform the same physical tasks.
• People over the age of 40.
• Women.

Tendonitis At East End Occupational Therapy Long Island

A condition falling under the tendinopathy umbrella term, tendonitis, refers to inflammation of the tendon. This causes a nagging pain that limits your ability to perform activities that would normally be of ease. Exercising using the affected tendon will be painful and difficult, and it should be avoided until you have recovered to prevent further injury. If you think you may have tendonitis or another Tendinopathy and are looking for the best occupational therapy Long Island offers, make an appointment with East End Occupational Therapy. 

What Causes Tendonitis?

Similar to Tendinopathy as a whole, tendonitis is most commonly caused by overuse and repetitive movements. It is possible to get tendonitis by sustaining a sudden injury, but these cases are less common. Most people develop tendonitis from repetitive movements over time, whether stemming from jobs, sports, hobbies, or other activities. The specific causes of tendonitis are virtually identical to the causes of Tendinopathy, given that tendonitis is a type of Tendinopathy. Common causes of tendonitis are listed below:

• Overuse of the tendon.
• Intense weight training.
• Contact Sports.
• Sports such as baseball, basketball, tennis, golf, running, swimming, and others that involve repetitive and strenuous movements using a tendon.
• Poor technique.
• Frequent, repetitive movements. 

Who is at Risk for Tendonitis?

The risk factors for tendonitis are largely similar to those of Tendinopathy. Anyone who performs frequent, repetitive movements is at a higher risk for both conditions. Whether you suffer from tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon) or another type of Tendinopathy (tendon issue other than inflammation) will depend on the nuances of your movements and/or individual characteristics. Generally, the risk factors are the same. Some of these are listed below:

• Athletes.
• Age.
• Weak muscle strength.
• Occupations or activities that involve performing the same task repetitively. 
• Women.

Tendinopathy vs. Tendonitis – The Difference Summed Up

If you have tendonitis, you also have Tendinopathy, an umbrella term used to describe different types of tendon issues. Tendonitis specifically involves inflammation of a tendon, while Tendinopathy also includes other types of tendon issues (ex., tissue deterioration). 

Contact East End Occupational Therapy Long Island

Contact East End Occupational Therapy today if you think you may be dealing with tendonitis or another type of Tendinopathy and are looking for the best occupational therapy Long Island has to offer.