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Are Your Workouts Hurting Your Tendons?
Published: Oct 29, 2023
Exercise is great for your health, but could it be damaging your tendons? Discover how to protect your tendons while staying fit.
Understanding Tendinopathy and Exercise
Tendinopathy is often caused by repeated stress on tendons due to exercise. Activities like running or jumping can strain tendons, leading to pain and dysfunction. It's important to balance exercise with adequate rest to allow tendons to recover and prevent overuse injuries. Recognizing the signs of tendinopathy early can help you adjust your workout routine and avoid further damage.
Common Risk Factors in Sports
Certain sports and activities pose a higher risk for tendinopathy. For example, basketball players often experience patellar tendinopathy due to frequent jumping. Runners are prone to Achilles tendinopathy from repetitive motion. Understanding these risks can help athletes take preventive measures, such as proper warm-ups and using supportive footwear, to protect their tendons.
Adjusting Your Exercise Plan
To reduce tendinopathy risk, gradually increase exercise intensity and volume. Incorporate cross-training to vary the types of stress on your tendons. Strengthening exercises for supporting muscles can also help distribute loads more evenly across joints and tendons. Listening to your body and resting when needed is crucial for tendon health and overall fitness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Repeated stress from activities like running or jumping can strain tendons.
Basketball and running are high-risk sports for tendinopathy.
Gradually increase exercise intensity and include cross-training.
Yes, resting when experiencing pain is crucial for tendon recovery.
The Bottom Line
Can a few tweaks to your exercise routine save your tendons from injury?
References
- Maffulli N, Wong J, Almekinders LC. Types and epidemiology of tendinopathy. Clin Sports Med 2003; 22:675.
- Renström P, Johnson RJ. Overuse injuries in sports. A review. Sports Med 1985; 2:316.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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