Tendon Injury

Overview

A tendon injury occurs when the tough fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone becomes inflamed, stretched, or torn. Tendons play a crucial role in allowing movement by transmitting the force generated by muscles to the bones. When a tendon is injured, it can cause pain, swelling, weakness, and difficulty moving the affected joint.

Tendon injuries can occur due to sudden trauma, repetitive movements, sports activities, or age-related wear and tear. Common areas affected include the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, ankle, and Achilles tendon.

At Moolchand Hospital, patients receive comprehensive care for tendon injuries from experienced orthopaedic and sports injury specialists. As a trusted multi super speciality hospital in Delhi and a well-known hospital in Lajpat Nagar Delhi, Moolchand provides advanced diagnostics, minimally invasive procedures, and rehabilitation programs for optimal recovery.

What is a Tendon Injury?

A tendon injury occurs when the tendon fibres become damaged due to excessive strain or injury. Tendons are strong but relatively less flexible than muscles, which makes them vulnerable to injury when exposed to sudden stress or repetitive strain.

Tendon injuries are generally classified into three types:

Tendinitis (Tendonitis) – inflammation of the tendon due to overuse
Tendinosis – degeneration of tendon tissue caused by chronic strain
Tendon rupture – a complete tear of the tendon

Symptoms of Tendon Injury

The symptoms of a tendon injury may vary depending on the location and severity of the damage. Common symptoms include:

• Pain around the affected joint
  
  

• Swelling or tenderness
  
  

• Stiffness or reduced joint movement
  
  

• Weakness in the affected area
  
  

• A clicking or snapping sensation during movement
  
  

• Difficulty performing normal physical activities
  
  

In severe tendon ruptures, there may be sudden intense pain and immediate loss of function.

Causes of Tendon Injury

Tendon injuries may occur due to several factors, including:

• Repetitive strain or overuse
  
  

• Sports activities involving sudden movements
  
  

• Heavy lifting or excessive physical exertion
  
  

• Direct trauma or injury
  
  

• Poor posture or incorrect movement patterns
  
  

• Age-related tendon degeneration
  
  

Athletes, manual workers, and individuals performing repetitive tasks are at higher risk.

Common Types of Tendon Injuries

Some frequently seen tendon injuries include:

• Achilles tendon injury (back of the ankle)
  
  

• Rotator cuff tendon injury in the shoulder
  
  

• Tennis elbow (lateral elbow tendon injury)
  
  

• Golfer’s elbow (medial elbow tendon injury)
  
  

• Patellar tendon injury around the knee
  
  

• Wrist tendon injuries
  
  

Diagnosis of Tendon Injury

Doctors diagnose tendon injuries through:

• Clinical examination
  
  

• Assessment of pain and joint movement
  
  

• Ultrasound imaging to evaluate tendon structure
  
  

• MRI scan to detect tears or inflammation
  
  

Accurate diagnosis helps determine whether the injury requires conservative treatment or surgical repair.

Treatment Options for Tendon Injury

Treatment depends on the severity of the injury and the tendon involved.

1. Conservative Treatment

Many tendon injuries can be treated with non-surgical methods such as:

• Rest and activity modification
  
  

• Ice therapy to reduce swelling
  
  

• Anti-inflammatory medications
  
  

• Compression and support braces
  
  

2. Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy is essential for recovery and may include:

• Stretching exercises
  
  

• Strengthening of surrounding muscles
  
  

• Controlled rehabilitation programs
  
  

• Gradual return to activity
  
  

3. Advanced Treatments

In some cases doctors may recommend:

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
  
  

• Ultrasound-guided therapy
  
  

• Shockwave therapy
  
  

4. Surgical Treatment

Surgery may be required for severe tendon tears or ruptures to repair the damaged tendon and restore normal movement.

At Moolchand Hospital, orthopaedic specialists use advanced surgical techniques and rehabilitation protocols to ensure optimal recovery.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Recovery time varies depending on the type and severity of the tendon injury.

• Mild injuries may heal within 2–4 weeks
  
  

• Moderate injuries may require 6–8 weeks of rehabilitation
  
  

• Severe tendon ruptures may require several months of recovery
  
  

Proper physiotherapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and joint stability.

Prevention of Tendon Injuries

You can reduce the risk of tendon injuries by:

• Performing proper warm-up before exercise
  
  

• Gradually increasing training intensity
  
  

• Maintaining muscle strength and flexibility
  
  

• Using correct posture and technique during activities
  
  

• Avoiding repetitive strain on joints
  
  

Why Choose Moolchand Hospital?

Patients choose Moolchand Hospital Lajpat Nagar for orthopaedic and sports injury care because of:

• Experienced orthopaedic surgeons and specialists
  
  

• Advanced diagnostic and imaging facilities
  
  

• Comprehensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs
  
  

• Modern surgical techniques and infrastructure
  
  

• Trusted care at a leading private hospital in Delhi
  
  

For patients searching for a hospital near Lajpat Nagar or hospitals in Lajpat Nagar, Moolchand provides accessible and expert orthopaedic care.