Tendinitis is a prevalent concern that could affect any tendon in your body. However, this condition is more prevalent in the shoulders, ankles, elbows, and knees because these areas are frequently used every day. Once tendinitis Portland develops, it is common to suffer swelling, tenderness, or discomfort close to the affected joint. These concerns could render routine activities like standing, walking, and lifting impossible. Nevertheless, by understanding the risk factors for tendinitis, you can take appropriate measures to avoid this condition. Continue reading to learn more.
- Age
Age is one of the major risk factors for tendonitis as it results in a reduction in the number of tenoblasts and tenoblastic activity. Tenoblasts are spindle-shaped and immature tendon cells that lie between the collagen fibers. Structurally, one’s collagen fibers progressively become tougher and wider as they age, leading to a decline in the general tensile strength.
Another reasonable explanation is that with aging, the muscles lose mass and start shrinking. Besides, the fluid content of the tendons also reduces, resulting in stiffer tissues that are less capable of withstanding stress.
- Sports
Some forms of tendinitis, such as jumper’s knee, tennis elbow, and golfer’s elbow, are particularly prevalent in people who participate in sports. Most high-intensity sporting activities like running, baseball, tennis, and basketball involve frequent, repetitive motions.
Nonetheless, other circumstances could also make you more susceptible to sustaining tendinitis. For instance, if you wear shoes that do not offer adequate support or use poor posture or techniques while playing sports. Besides, you will also be at risk if you do not warm up correctly before playing, overwork tired muscles, or fail to take frequent breaks from activities that require repetitive movements.
- Occupation
Some occupations place you at higher risk of suffering tendinitis, such as jobs that require constantly reaching overhead or other awkward positions. Besides, jobs that require using handheld vibrating equipment, and forceful exertion like pushing, and heavy lifting, also risk tearing or rupturing your tendons.
- Certain Illnesses
Conditions that weaken muscles or induce swelling are also risk factors for tendinitis. Common conditions associated with tendinitis include arthritis, kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders affecting the connective tissue, including systemic sclerosis, Myositis, and rheumatoid arthritis. If you have any of these conditions, you should have X-rays and other diagnostic tests to rule out the condition.
- Being Overweight or Obese
Extra weight could increase the strain on your tendons, joints, and muscles. Besides, being obese or overweight could accelerate swelling in the body, resulting in discomfort and tendon degeneration. By shedding extra weight and maintaining a healthy body mass index, you can reduce this added tendon strain and swelling likely to cause tendon tears or ruptures.
Irrespective of being young or old, a weekend warrior or a pro athlete, individuals all appear to have a natural inclination to push themselves beyond what they actually can. While attempting to reach optimal sports performance, you might sometimes risk suffering sports-related injuries like tendonitis. However, this condition is not exclusive to sportsmen or somewhat physically active people. Numerous other risk factors for tendinitis exist, including obesity, age, occupation, and some diseases. Although factors like age are not within your control, others like obesity, illnesses, and occupations are manageable.
