Tendinopathy is a clinical condition that refers to pain, swelling, and impaired function of a tendon, the fibrous connective tissue that links muscle to bone. It results from structural changes within the tendon, often caused by repetitive overuse, mechanical overload, or age-related degeneration. Unlike the traditional term tendinitis, which implies inflammation, tendinopathy encompasses both acute and chronic tendon disorders, including tendinosis (degenerative changes) and paratenonitis (inflammation of the surrounding sheath).
Tendinopathy commonly affects load-bearing tendons such as the Achilles, patellar, rotator cuff, and forearm tendons. Symptoms typically include localized pain, stiffness, and functional limitation, particularly during activity. Management emphasizes activity modification, targeted rehabilitation exercises—especially eccentric loading protocols—biomechanical correction, and in select cases, advanced therapies such as shockwave treatment, regenerative injections, or surgical intervention.
