Enthesopathy

Overview

Enthesopathy is a musculoskeletal condition involving inflammation or degeneration at the site where tendons or ligaments attach to bone – known as the enthesis. This condition can cause persistent pain, stiffness, and reduced joint mobility, often affecting the heels, knees, hips, elbows, or spine.

At The New Foscote Hospital in Banbury, Oxfordshire, our orthopaedic and rheumatology specialists provide comprehensive diagnosis and evidence-based treatment for enthesopathy.

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What Is Enthesopathy?

Enthesopathy can be inflammatory (often associated with autoimmune conditions such as psoriatic arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis) or non-inflammatory, resulting from overuse, biomechanical stress, or degenerative changes.

The condition can be localised to a specific joint or part of a broader systemic condition affecting multiple areas.

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Common Symptoms

Symptoms of enthesopathy vary depending on the site affected but may include:

• Localised pain at tendon or ligament attachment points
• Swelling or tenderness over a joint or bony prominence
• Morning stiffness or stiffness after rest
• Pain that worsens with activity or weight-bearing
• Reduced range of motion in the affected joint
• Occasional redness or warmth at the site of inflammation

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Commonly Affected Areas

• Plantar fascia (heel – plantar fasciitis)
• Achilles tendon (heel and ankle)
• Patellar tendon (knee – jumper’s knee)
• Greater trochanter (hip – gluteal tendinopathy)
• Lateral/medial epicondyles (elbow – tennis or golfer’s elbow)
• Spine and sacroiliac joints (particularly in inflammatory arthritis)

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Causes and Risk Factors

Enthesopathy can develop due to:

• Repetitive strain or overuse
• Poor biomechanics or joint instability
• Inflammatory arthritis (e.g. psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis)
• Age-related degeneration of tendons and ligaments
• Obesity and mechanical stress
• Genetic predisposition (especially in inflammatory types)

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Diagnosis of Enthesopathy

Diagnosis at The New Foscote Hospital may involve:

• Full medical history and physical examination
• Diagnostic imaging such as ultrasound or MRI to visualise inflammation or degeneration
• Blood tests to screen for underlying autoimmune conditions
• Referral to rheumatology or orthopaedics where appropriate

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Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. Options may include:

• Physiotherapy and targeted strengthening exercises
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroid injections for pain and inflammation
• Shockwave therapy (for chronic or degenerative cases)
• Biologic treatments (for inflammatory enthesopathy)
• Lifestyle modification including weight management and activity adjustments

Our team will tailor your treatment to your diagnosis, symptoms, and goals.

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When to Seek Help

If you’re experiencing persistent joint pain, localised tenderness, or reduced mobility – particularly if symptoms interfere with daily life or physical activity – it’s important to seek specialist assessment.

Early diagnosis can prevent long-term joint damage, especially in inflammatory types of enthesopathy.

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Why Choose The New Foscote Hospital?

• Same-week access to expert consultants in musculoskeletal and rheumatology care
• On-site imaging (ultrasound, MRI) for rapid diagnosis
• Integrated physiotherapy and pain management support
• Private, patient-focused care in a modern Oxfordshire hospital

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Book a Private Consultation

Take the first step towards understanding and treating your joint pain.
Call us on 01295 252 281 or enquire online to see one of our specialists.