Cause of Tendinopathy
Initially the cause of tendon pain was attributed to inflammation, hence the term tendinitis. While research has shown that overloading is the main contributor to tendon pain and not inflammation, there is still debate about the role of inflammation is.
The current theory of tendinopathy is the continuum theory with the tendon progressing from a reactive tendinopathy to a degenerative tendinopathy. Load management is a consideration in all the stages, however, the strategy for a reactive tendinopathy is usually to reduce the stress while a degenerative tendinopathy it is to increase the stress on the tendon.
Achilles Tendinopathy
The achilles tendon transfers force between the foot and the calf muscles. Activities that involve running or jumping are common to irritate the tendon. The two main loading programs for Achilles tendinopathy are the heavy, slow resistance program (HSR) and the eccentric loading program (Alfredson’s eccentrics).
Patellar Tendinopathy
The patellar tendon transfers force from the quadricep muscles to the tibia, controlling flexion and extension at the knee. Patellar tendinopathy is common with high loads to the knee, such as with jumping. But can also occur in weight lifting due to compression of the patellar tendon against the femur.