Tendinosis/Tendinitis

These are overuse injuries, which may be sustained due to intense exercise and sporting activity.

Collagen is a protein that is a building block of bones, tendons, cartilage, ligaments, skin and some other structures of the body. There are different types of collagen that are present in different proportions in these structures.

Tendinosis occurs when the collagen is injured and the body cannot heal the tendon properly, resulting in abnormal tendon structure and consistency. This leads to small tears in the tendon, and increased inflammatory (immune system) cells in the areas around the tendon. Therefore tendinosis is simply a case of injury being greater than repair. It may occur over time due to accumulation of injuries.

Your podiatrist can prescribe proper measures to make sure the healing process proceeds, physical therapy exercises and proper shoe-wear and / or orthotics.

Tendonitis is experienced as swelling, pain and redness by the patient. It is inflammation of the tendon, caused by constant irritation. It can occur with injury and also with age, as the tendon becomes less elastic. Symptoms can include pain near a joint extending to muscular areas (along tendons),pain that is worse at night, and pain with activity.

Both of these conditions are common behind the heel at the insertion of your Achilles tendon, and may occur if you have a systemic disease such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes.

At South Lake Podiatry we have over 17 years of experience at diagnosing and treating these conditions. We routinely use computer analysis which allows for a more accurate prescription and orthotic. We can also utilise Extracorporeal/Radial Shockwave in addition to this.