Tendons are thick, strong metabolically adaptive structures found all over the body. They are what join a muscle to a bone and are key structures for transmitting force i.e causing a joint to move. Common areas of tendon pain include, heel, knee, side of hip, elbow and shoulder.
Tendons dislike large changes in what they are asked to do and often a big change in the load placed on them can be a factor in the onset of tendon pain. Examples of big changes in tendon load include:
- Weekend of DIY and lots of screwdriver use
- Starting a new fitness program too quickly
- change in running technique
Tendons do however, like a gradual change in load and this is a main rehabilitation tool to settle and protect against tendon pain!
