physical therapist Jason Willer, PT MPT, with a simulated patient in the physical therapy gym at UI Health Care Medical Center North Liberty on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025.

Tendinopathy

Tendinopathy is a chronic degenerative injury that occurs when a tendon has been overused due to repetitive motion.
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Tendons are strong, flexible structures in the body that connect muscles to bones and help our bodies move.

Tendinopathy is a chronic degenerative injury that occurs when a tendon has been overused due to repetitive motion. If you think of a normal tendon as a brand-new rope, a tendon in a state of tendinopathy is when the rope begins to fray and unravel.

What sets us apart
At University of Iowa Health Care, our sports medicine specialists offer the full spectrum of treatment options and will create a personalized care plan specific to your needs. Our experts are extensively trained in tendinopathy care and lead research studies aimed at better improving outcomes and expanding treatment options.

They also make it easy for you to get the care you need by offering all diagnostic and treatment services in one building, including imaging and rehabilitation.

Types of tendinopathy

Tendinopathy can happen to any tendon, but it typically occurs in the tendons we use the most. These include:

  • Elbow
  • Achilles
  • Shoulder (rotator cuff)
  • Patella (kneecap)

Tendinopathy symptoms

Symptoms of tendinopathy include:

  • Pain with activity
  • Redness
  • Swelling
  • Limited mobility
  • Reduced flexibility
  • Tender or warm to the touch

Tendinopathy symptoms

The main cause of tendinopathy is overexertion or overuse of the tendon. However, there are factors that can make you more likely to develop tendinopathy, including:

  • Performing weightbearing or repetitive labor
  • Exercising on hard surfaces
  • Using exercise equipment incorrectly
  • Not warming up before exercise  
  • Intense repetitive physical activity
  • Being obese or overweight
  • Being older
  • Having flat feet or bowed legs
  • Having bone spurs
Tendinopathy diagnosis
There are other conditions that can produce tendon-like pain, so it’s important to get a proper diagnosis from your provider.

Your provider will review your medical history, discuss your current symptoms, and perform a physical examination. They will then order or perform various imaging tests, such as X-rays and ultrasounds, to rule out other potential issues and better tailor your treatment plan to your specific needs.

Tendinopathy treatments

Your treatment plan will be customized to best suit your needs and help you meet your recovery goals. This may include:

Rehabilitation

Physical therapy can help build strength and stability in the tendon and is usually the best treatment option.

Shockwave therapy

This therapy involves using soundwaves to stimulate healing and provide pain relief. It is noninvasive and doesn’t require significant downtime.

Regenerative medicine

This includes platelet-rich plasma (PRP), bone marrow aspirate concentrate (BMAC), and microfragmented adipose tissue (MFAT) injections. These injections use your body’s own cells to help heal itself, providing relief without surgery.

Microsurgery

In some cases, microsurgical procedures may be necessary to clean up the area around the tendon to promote healing.

Surgery

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damage to tendon.

Our Care Team

UI Health Care providers specialize in treating tendinopathy.
Mederic M. Hall, MD portrait

Mederic M.
Hall
MD

  • Orthopedics and Rehabilitation
4.64 out of 5 (652 ratings)
Ryan Kruse, MD portrait

Ryan
Kruse
MD

  • Orthopedics and Rehabilitation
4.85 out of 5 (658 ratings)

Need help finding a tendinopathy specialist?

When you call, we’ll help you find a provider who meets your needs.
Call 1-319-356-2223 Request an appointment Refer a patient

Locations and Offices

Sports Medicine, Iowa City
Level 1
1-319-384-7070
Clinic
UI Health Care Sports Medicine facility exterior photo
In Iowa City, Prairie Meadow Drive
2701 Prairie Meadow Drive, Iowa City, IA 52242
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