Tendon

:Tendon is also the name of a commune in the Vosges département in France.

Tendonitis/Tendinosis/Tendinopathy

Chronic overuse of tendons leads to microscopic tears within the collagen matrix, which gradually weakens the tissue. Swelling in a region of microdamage or partial tear can be detected visually or by palpation. Increased water content and disorganised collagen matrix in tendon lesions may be detected by ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging.

Related Topics:
Palpation - Lesion - Ultrasonography - Magnetic resonance imaging

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Due to their highly specialised ultrastructure and slow collagen turnover, tendons and ligaments are very slow to heal if injured, and rarely regain their original strength. Partial tears heal by the rapid production of disorganised type-III collagen, which is inferior in strength to normal tendon. Recurrence of injury in the damaged region of tendon is common.

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Treatment of tendon injuries is largely palliative. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs combined with rest and gradual return to exercise is a common therapy. Return to function may be accelerated by the injection of stem cells. Completely ruptured tendons may be sutured together with or without grafted material.

Related Topics:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - Stem cells

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The Achilles tendon is a particularly large tendon connecting the heel to the muscles of the calf. It is so named because the mythic hero Achilles was said to have been killed due to an injury at this spot. Achilles tendonitis is a common injury, particularly in sports that involve lunging and jumping.

Related Topics:
Achilles tendon - Heel - Calf - Achilles

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A veterinary equivalent to Achilles tendonitis is bowed tendon, tendonitis of the superficial digital flexor tendon of the horse.

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Sinew was also widely used in the medieval times as a form of ancient elastic.

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