What Is Tendinosis? - Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr NVS Vinay , Orthopedics

Tendinosis is a chronic disorder characterised by the degeneration of the collagen in a tendon as a result of repetitive microtraumas that do not undergo the typical healing process. It primarily affects tendons in areas like the shoulders, elbows, knees, and heels.

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent permanent injuries and protect the health of the tendon.

What are the Tendinosis Symptoms and Warning Signs?

Tendinosis symptoms typically develop slowly and can affect movement and quality of life. Recognising the signs early can lead to more effective treatment.

Common Symptoms

Persistent, localised tendon pain
Stiffness during movement
Swelling or visible thickening of the tendon

Severe Symptoms

Noticeable weakness in the affected area
Reduced range of motion
Pain that worsens with repetitive activity

What are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Tendinosis?

Tendinosis develops over time due to chronic strain and poor healing. Understanding its origins can help with prevention.

Causes

Repetitive stress on tendons (e.g., running, typing, swimming)
Poor biomechanics during physical activity
Insufficient rest in between heavy training sessions

Risk Factors

Age affects tendon elasticity and blood supply
Jobs or athletics that involve repetitive movements
Inflexibility and muscle imbalance

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How is Tendinosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosing tendinosis requires a combination of physical exams and imaging tests to rule out inflammation and confirm tissue degeneration.

Diagnostic Procedures

Clinical examination and mobilisation tests
Ultrasound to detect tendon thickening or degeneration
MRI for a detailed view of the tendon structure

What are the Treatment Options for Tendinosis?

Managing tendinosis involves promoting tendon healing and preventing recurrence. A tailored approach ensures better recovery.

Treatment Options Include

Rest and Activity Modification: Reduce or modify activities that cause stress.
Physical Therapy: Eccentric strengthening, flexibility exercises, and gait correction.
Pain Management: Use of NSAIDs, though limited due to lack of inflammation.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Stimulates healing through high-energy waves.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): Therapy uses growth factors to enhance repair.
Surgical Intervention: Reserved for chronic, treatment-resistant cases.

Recovery Timeline

Mild cases: Improvement in 6-8 weeks
Severe cases: May require 6-12 months or more of ongoing therapy

When to See a Doctor?

If pain lasts more than 2-3 weeks without improvement
If the movement becomes restricted or weak
If you are in a high-risk group (e.g., athletes, older adults, repetitive work environments)

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What is the Recovery Process After Tendinosis Treatment?

Recovery is a gradual process and often requires long-term management and lifestyle adjustments.

Post-Treatment Expectations

Continued physiotherapy for up to several months
Gradual return to activity with monitoring
Stretching and strengthening exercises at home

Lifestyle Recommendations

Avoid overuse
Use proper techniques during physical activity
Include rest days in training routines

What Precautions Can Help Prevent Tendinosis?

Prevention

Incorporate rest into physical routines
Use proper form during activities
Stretch and strengthen muscles regularly
Modify workstations to reduce repetitive strain

Complications

Gradual deterioration of the tendon
Risk of tendon rupture
Chronic pain and mobility loss can occur if untreated

Our Experience Treating Tendinosis

At Medicover, we combine world-class clinical expertise with empathy, helping patients with tendinosis achieve full recovery. Utilising the most advanced therapies, such as PRP and personalised rehabilitation plans, we are dedicated to restoring mobility, function, and quality of life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Tendinosis typically doesn't heal without some form of treatment. Rest, physical therapy, and targeted exercises are often needed to support recovery and prevent further damage.

No, tendinosis involves long-term degeneration of the tendon without inflammation, whereas tendonitis refers to short-term inflammation caused by injury or overuse.

Exercise can be helpful, but it should be carefully guided. Eccentric strengthening exercises are often used in recovery to rebuild tendon strength safely.

Without proper care, tendinosis can worsen over time, increasing the risk of tendon rupture, chronic pain, or long-term loss of function in the affected area.

Basic home care like rest, ice, and stretching may ease symptoms in early stages, but persistent cases usually benefit from medical evaluation and structured therapy.

Surgery is not commonly needed and is typically considered only when conservative approaches like therapy, rest, and medications do not relieve symptoms.