Week 1 - MSK Pathologies Flashcards
What is the definition and common sites of tendinopathy?
Definition: Pain and dysfunction in a tendon.
Common Sites: Glutes, Patella, Achilles, Rotator Cuff, Biceps, Epicondyles, De Quervain’s.
What are some tendinopathy risk factors?
Modifiable: Overload, training errors, biomechanics, muscle weakness.
Non-Modifiable: Age, genetics, previous injury, BMI, diabetes, medications.
What is the difference between a normal tendon vs a pathology?
Normal: Organized collagen, mainly Type 1 fibres.
Tendinopathy Changes:
- More Type 3 fibres (weaker).
- Increased tenocyte activity but reduced collagen quality.
- More water content (swelling & weakness).
- Neovascularization (abnormal blood vessel growth).
What are the Signs & Symptoms of Tendinopathy?
Pain (often worse in early and late phases of activity).
Weakness, Swelling, Decreased Function.
What is the physiotherapy management of Tendinopathy?
Education: Modify load, avoid aggravating activities.
Exercise:
Eccentric loading (helps tendon remodelling).
Isometric exercises (for pain relief).
Manual Therapy, Shockwave Therapy, Corticosteroid Injection (if necessary).
Describe Gluteal Tendinopathy (GTPS)
Most common lower limb tendinopathy.
Risk: Middle-aged women (50-79).
Signs: Lateral hip pain, pain when standing or side-lying.
Management: Avoid excessive compression, exercise, shockwave, injections.
Describe Patella Tendinopathy
Common in jumping sports.
Pain: Anterior knee, worse with stairs, hills, kneeling.
Management: Load management, eccentric loading, taping, shockwave, surgery.
Describe Achilles Tendinopathy
Seen in runners, but 1/3 cases in non-athletes.
Pain & swelling around tendon, nodular thickening (chronic cases).
Management: Load management, eccentric loading, taping (short-term relief).
Describe Plantar Fasciopathy
1 in 10 people affected in lifetime.
Peak Age: 45-65.
Pain: Heel, worse in the morning or after activity.
Risk Factors: BMI, foot biomechanics.
Management: Stretching, strengthening, orthotics, injections, surgery.
What are the causes, signs and management of Rotator Cuff Related Shoulder Pain
Causes: Tendon overuse, impingement, tendon tears.
Signs: Pain with elevation & rotation, night pain.
Management: Exercise, symptom modification, steroid injections, surgery.
Describe Lateral Epicondylalgia (Tennis Elbow)
Most common elbow overuse syndrome.
Risk: Age 40-50, repetitive wrist extension (e.g., typing, racket sports).
Pain: Lateral elbow, worsens with gripping & wrist extension
Management: Exercise, taping, bracing, NSAIDs, injections.
Describe Medial Epicondylalgia (Golfer’s Elbow)
Less common than Tennis Elbow.
Risk: Golfers, manual workers.
Pain: Medial elbow, aggravated by gripping & wrist flexion.
Management: Exercise, taping, NSAIDs, injections.
Describe De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
Common in new mothers, ages 40-50.
Pain: Radial wrist, worse with thumb movement.
Test: Finkelstein’s test (thumb stretch = pain).
Management: Splinting, exercise, NSAIDs, injections.
Describe Muscle Strains/Tears
Caused by over-contraction or overstretching.
Grades:
I: Mild, few fibres damaged.
II: Moderate, partial tear.
III: Severe, complete rupture.
Common Muscles Affected: Pec major, quads, hamstrings, Achilles.
Management: POLICE/PRICE, early mobilization, strength training, proprioception.
