Tendinopathy

Question 1

Tendon function

Answer 1

• Connect muscle to bone
• Transmit force to permit movement
• Extension of the muscle
• Thick, short tendons originate from powerful muscles
• Long, thin tendons execute fine movements

Question 2

At low strain rates…

Answer 2

Tendons deform more and absorb more energy

Question 3

At high strain rates…

Answer 3

Tendons deform less, become stiffer and are more effective in carrying mechanical load

Question 4

Tendon load types

Answer 4

Compressive: Can be squashed against a bone
Shear and friction: Movement of the tendon sheath on the tendon can cause irritation
Tensile: Store and release like a spring for power
Combination: Mix of different load types

Question 5

General injury mechanism theory

Answer 5

• Strains =4% generally allow the tendon to return to original length once load is removed
• Above 4% strains, collagen fibres can begin to fail
• Beyond 8% strain the tendon is susceptible to rupture