Tendinopathy

Overview

Tendinopathy refers to a group of conditions that affect tendons – the thick, fibrous cords that connect muscles to bones. It most commonly presents as pain, swelling, and reduced function in areas such as the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, or Achilles tendon.

At The New Foscote Hospital in Banbury, Oxfordshire, our expert consultants and physiotherapists provide comprehensive evaluation and evidence-based treatment for all types of tendinopathy.

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What Is Tendinopathy?

Tendinopathy is a general term that encompasses both tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon) and tendinosis (degeneration of the tendon tissue). It often develops gradually due to repetitive strain, overuse, or ageing, and can become chronic if not treated early.

Tendinopathy is common in athletes, active individuals, and those performing repetitive movements at work or home.

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Common Symptoms of Tendinopathy

Symptoms typically develop over time and may include:

• Localised pain or tenderness near a joint
• Stiffness or reduced range of movement
• Pain that worsens with activity and eases with rest
• Swelling or thickening over the tendon
• Weakness in the affected limb or joint
• Difficulty performing specific tasks or sports

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Types of Tendinopathy We Commonly Treat

• Rotator cuff tendinopathy (shoulder)
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis)
• Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis)
• Patellar tendinopathy (knee)
• Achilles tendinopathy
• Gluteal tendinopathy (hip/buttock)

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Causes and Risk Factors

Tendinopathy may be caused or worsened by:

• Repetitive movements or overuse (e.g. sports, manual labour)
• Poor biomechanics or joint alignment
• Inadequate warm-up or recovery time
• Age-related tendon degeneration
• Sudden increase in physical activity
• Medical conditions such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis

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Diagnosis of Tendinopathy

At The New Foscote Hospital, we use a range of tools to assess and confirm tendinopathy:

• Thorough medical history and physical examination
• Musculoskeletal ultrasound
• MRI scanning (if necessary)
• Functional movement assessment by physiotherapists

These tools allow us to accurately pinpoint the affected tendon and understand the severity of the condition.

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Treatment Options

Treatment is personalised and based on your specific condition and activity level. Options may include:

• Targeted physiotherapy and strengthening programmes
• Manual therapy and soft tissue release
• Shockwave therapy (where appropriate)
• Ultrasound-guided injections (e.g. corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma)
• Load management advice and ergonomic correction
• Surgical referral for complex or non-responsive cases

Our aim is always to reduce pain, improve function, and prevent recurrence.

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When to Seek Help

If you’re experiencing ongoing tendon pain, reduced joint mobility, or discomfort during physical activity or work, early assessment is key. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term damage and speed up recovery.

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Why Choose The New Foscote Hospital?

• Same-week access to orthopaedic and sports injury specialists
• On-site diagnostics including MRI and ultrasound
• Dedicated physiotherapy and rehabilitation team
• Private, patient-focused care in a comfortable setting

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Book a Private Consultation

Get the expert help you need to manage your tendon pain.

Call us on 01295 252 281 or enquire online to book an appointment with one of our consultants.