Tendon injuries are a common and often debilitating issue affecting people of all ages and activity levels.

Tendons are strong, fibrous cords of connective tissue that attach muscles to bones.

They play a crucial role in movement, transmitting the force generated by muscles to the skeleton. When a tendon is injured, it can range from a mild strain or inflammation (tendinitis) to a partial or complete tear (rupture).

These injuries commonly occur due to sudden forceful movements, repetitive stress, or age-related degeneration, leading to pain, swelling, and reduced mobility.

The symptoms of a tendon injury vary depending on the severity and location of the injury.

Common symptoms include:

Pain: Often immediate and can range from mild to severe, especially with movement.

Swelling: Around the injured area, typically developing within a few hours.

Stiffness: Difficulty moving the affected joint.

Weakness: In the affected muscle or joint.

Tenderness: To the touch around the injured area.

Limited movement: Difficulty moving the joint, especially bearing weight.

A snapping or popping sensation: May be felt or heard at the time of the injury, particularly with complete ruptures.

Tendon injuries are typically caused by:

Overuse: Repetitive motions can strain tendons over time, leading to inflammation and injury (tendinitis).

Sudden injury: A sudden forceful contraction or stretch of the muscle can cause a tendon to tear or rupture.

Trauma: Direct impact to the tendon, such as from a fall or sports injury.

Age: Tendons become less flexible and more prone to injury as we age.

Certain medications: Some medications, such as certain antibiotics (fluoroquinolones), can increase the risk of tendon rupture.

Cervical Stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal in the neck can put pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, causing pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.

Herniated Disc: The gel-like center of a disc can bulge or rupture, pressing on nerves in the neck and causing pain that radiates down the arm.

Poor Posture: Habitually slouching, hunching, or holding the head forward puts excessive stress on the neck muscles and joints.

Repetitive Motions: Jobs or activities that involve repetitive neck movements can contribute to muscle strain and inflammation.

Stress: Stress can cause muscle tension and spasms in the neck.

Tumors or Infections: While less common, tumors or infections in the neck can cause pain and other symptoms.

Diagnosing a tendon injury typically involves a combination of:

Medical History: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, how the injury occurred, and your medical background.

Physical Examination: The doctor will carefully examine the affected area, checking for tenderness, swelling, range of motion, and strength. They may perform specific tests to assess the integrity of the tendon.

Imaging Tests:

X-rays: While X-rays don't show soft tissues like tendons, they can rule out bone fractures or other bony abnormalities.

Ultrasound: This imaging technique uses sound waves to create images of soft tissues and can effectively visualize tendon inflammation, tears, and ruptures. It's often used in real-time to assess movement.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI provides detailed images of soft tissues and is excellent for identifying the extent of tendon damage, including partial or complete tears, and assessing surrounding structures.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy:

PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of your own blood, concentrating the platelets, and injecting them back into the affected joint. This helps promote healing, reduce inflammation, and regenerate damaged tissues.

BMC (Bone Marrow Concentrate) Therapy:

BMC therapy involves aspiration of bone marrow from body (Iliac Crest), concentrating the cells, and injecting them into the affected joint. These stem cells promote tissue regeneration and cartilage repair.

SVF (Stromal Vascular Fraction) Therapy:

SVF therapy uses fat tissue extracted from body, which contains stem cells and growth factors. These adipose derived SVF is injected into the affected joint to promote healing and reduce inflammation.

MSC (Mesenchymal Stem Cells) Therapy:

MSC therapy involves using stem cells derived from various sources, one of them is umbilical cord. These stem cells have the ability to repair damaged cartilage, reduce inflammation, and promote joint regeneration.

Physiotherapy:

Physiotherapy helps to improve the strength and flexibility of the muscles surrounding the affected joint. Specific exercises are designed to reduce pain, increase range of motion, and prevent further joint damage.

Lifestyle Modification:

Exercise: Engaging in low-impact activities like swimming, walking, or cycling can help strengthen the muscles around the joint, improve flexibility, and reduce pain.

Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces stress on the joints, especially weight-bearing ones like the knees and hips.

Diet Modification:

Anti-inflammatory Diet: Incorporating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids (such as fish, flax seeds, and walnuts) can help reduce inflammation.

Joint Health Nutrients: Including foods high in antioxidants, vitamin C, and vitamin D can support cartilage health and joint function.

Supplements: Supplements like glucosamine, chondroitin, and turmeric may support joint health and reduce pain and stiffness in osteoarthritis patients.

These treatment options aim to improve joint function, alleviate pain, and slow the progression of osteoarthritis, helping you lead a more comfortable, active life.