​Tendinopathy

Tendons are the soft but tough fibres which link your muscles to bone. When your muscles contract, the tendons pull your bones and enable your joints to move. 

Tendinopathy or tendon injuries refer to painful injuries that take place in or around your tendon, usually near a joint such as your shoulder. Other common sites of tendon injury are your elbows, ankles, knees and fingers. A tendon injury may occur to have happened suddenly. However, most injuries usually occur over time and are the result of many small tears in your tendon. In some instances you may experience pain due to inflammation which can occur around calcium crystal deposits which form in or around the tendon (calcific tendinitis).

Anyone can suffer a tendon injury. However, you are more prone to tendon damage if you make the same repetitive motions often, for example due to the nature of your job, contact sports or a daily activity.

Your doctor may describe your injury using different terms, such as:

  • Tendinitis – this refers to inflammation of the tendon.

  • Tendinosis – this describes tiny tears that develop in the tissues that are in or that surround a tendon as a result of overuse or aging.  

The most preferred term used by experts is tendinopathy, which encompasses both inflammation and micro-tears.


The symptoms of tendinopathy may include:

  • Pain or tenderness – near the injured tendon

  • Redness, swelling and/or warmth – occurring near the injured tendon

  • Pain that radiates – out from the site of the injury

  • Crepitus –  an uncomfortable “crunchy” sound or sensation when the tendon is being used

  • Stiffness and loss of strength – this may be worse at night or when waking up in the morning​

Consult our Orthopaedic Surgery or Physiotherapy experts if you experience:

  • Persistent pain that does not improve with rest or home remedies.
  • Difficulty moving the affected area.
  • Noticeable swelling or changes in tendon appearance.
  • Pain that interferes with daily activities or work.

Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further damage and long-term complications.​​

Your time with your doctor may be limited, so make sure to prepare for your visit beforehand. Here are some tips to help get you started.​​

To diagnose tendinopathy, healthcare providers may use the following methods:

  • Physical Examination: Assessing the affected tendon for pain, tenderness, and range of motion.
  • Ultrasound: Imaging to evaluate tendon structure and detect degeneration.
  • MRI Scans: Provides detailed images to rule out other conditions such as tears.
  • Functional Tests: Assessing strength and flexibility of the tendon under stress.

These tests help determine the severity of the condition and guide appropriate treatment plans.​

Treatment for tendinopathy focuses on relieving pain and restoring function. Options may include:

  • Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that aggravate symptoms.
  • Physical Therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises to improve tendon function.
  • Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and inflammation.
  • Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT): A technique that uses shock waves to stimulate healing.
  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections: To promote tissue repair and healing.
  • Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, surgical options such as tendon repair or debridement may be considered.
A combination of therapies tailored to individual needs often provides the best results.​

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers various support services to help with managing or recovering from the disease or condition. These include but are not limited to nutrition, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, specialised clinics and some patient support groups. Your doctor or nurse will advise you accordingly.

The Aga Khan University Hospital offers financial assistance to those who are in need and fulfil the eligibility criteria. For further information, you can contact the Patient Welfare Department. You can find the contact number of the Patient Welfare Department in the 'Numbers' section on the website homepage.​

The financial counselling staff is available during office hours, at the main PBSD (Patient Business Services Department), to answer your financial queries on treatment costs and authorise admissions on partial deposit as per hospital policies. The financial counsellor in the emergency room is open 24/7. You can find the contact number of the Patient Business Services in the 'Numbers' section on the website homepage.​

Your doctor or nurse will provide specific instructions regarding any prescribed medications. It is essential to follow their guidance carefully. Self-prescribing or altering medication without professional advice can be harmful. Inform your healthcare provider of any past adverse reactions to medications. If you experience symptoms of drug poisoning, overdose, or a severe reaction, contact the Pharmacy Services at The Aga Khan University Hospital immediately. The contact number is listed in the 'Numbers' section on the hospital's homepage.​​
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​​The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider. 
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