Tendonitis and Tendinopathy: What Are They and How Do They Evolve?

Abstract

The development of tendinitis and tendinopathy is often multifactorial and the result of both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors include anatomic factors, age-related factors, and systemic factors, whereas extrinsic factors include mechanical overload and improper form and equipment. Although tendinitis and tendinopathy are often incorrectly used interchangeably, they are in 2 distinct pathologies. Due to their chronicity and high prevalence in tendons about the ankle, including the Achilles tendon, the posterior tibialis tendon, and the peroneal tendons, tendinitis and tendinopathies cause significant morbidity and are important pathologies for physicians to recognize.