What is tendonitis?
Tendonitis, or tendinopathy, is a painful disease of the tendons, the fibrous structures that connect muscles to bones. This pain can be intense, to the point of interfering with daily life. Tendonitis is mainly caused by repetitive movements that put excessive strain on tendons that are poorly trained, badly warmed up or weakened by illness or medication. All parts of the tendon can be affected: the tendon itself, the part connected to the bone or the sheaths that surround it.
The tendon, a living organ in constant restructuring
Tendons attach muscles to bones and allow the force created by muscle contraction to be transmitted to the skeleton, thus producing movement.
They are made up of collagen, glycoproteins and proteoglycans that form microfibrils. These microfibrils come together to form fibres, which in turn are assembled to form bundles (primary bundles) and super-bundles (secondary and tertiary bundles). These bundles are aligned lengthways along the tendon for greater strength.
The tendons, which are not very vascularised, are made up of about 70% water which is essential for the regular structure of the microfibrils, fibres and vessels. They are constantly being remodelled, with new fibres replacing the old ones which disappear.
Tendon strength increases with use
Due to its multifibrous structure, a tendon is both resistant and elastic. The solicitation of a tendon, by the regular practice of a sport for example, will increase its resistance and its elasticity. But on the other hand, an unusual effort or a badly done warm-up will weaken the tendon, in particular its extremities.
Age and sedentary lifestyle are also factors of fragility.
Tendinitis, tendinopathy or MSD (musculoskeletal disorders)?
The common name of "tendinitis" is not completely adapted to all the pathologies grouped under this term of tendinitis, except if it is about the inflammation of the tendon. Let us recall here, that the suffix -ite, indicates an inflammation, for example a bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchial tubes), an arteritis (inflammation of the arteries), a hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)...
Why is the term "tendinopathy" preferred to "tendonitis" today?
Because all parts of the tendon can be affected, the body of the tendon, the part connected to the bone and the sheaths surrounding the tendons and not all tendon diseases are inflammations.
Magnetic therapy treatment
The Wondermag magnetic elbow brace, the shoulder brace or the carpal finger pad, with their powerful therapeutic magnets, effectively relieve tendinopathies, they can be worn as a cure or as a preventive measure.
And to avoid tendonitis and tendinopathy, remember to drink magnetised water without moderation. Good hydration is one of the keys to avoiding recurrence.