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Tread Lightly Podcast

78: What Runners Need to Know about Tendinopathy and Tendon Health (with Dr. Alex Nelson)

Aug 10, 2024
Dr. Alex Nelson, a DPT and owner of Training with Tendinopathy, dives into the intricacies of tendon health, particularly for runners. He clarifies the differences between tendinopathy, tendonitis, and tendinosis, emphasizing that rest alone won't heal these issues. Dr. Nelson discusses the crucial role of strength training in rehab, while addressing the benefits of collagen supplements and protein intake for recovery. Additionally, he provides insights on managing high hamstring tendinopathy, the implications of footwear, and the importance of listening to pain cues during recovery.
43:07

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Understanding the distinctions between tendinopathy, tendinitis, and tendinosis is crucial for effectively managing tendon injuries and rehabilitation.
  • Active rehabilitation combining strength training and pain management is essential for recovering from tendinopathy, as complete rest may worsen the condition.

Deep dives

Understanding Tendon Terminology

Clarifying the terminology surrounding tendon injuries, the discussion highlights the differences between tendinitis, tendinopathy, and tendinosis. Tendinitis is often mischaracterized as the primary cause of tendon pain, leading individuals to believe that inflammation is the main issue, prompting them to rest and reduce activity. In contrast, tendinopathy is a more accurate, overarching term encompassing tendon pain associated with various loading issues and associated structural changes in the tendon. Tendinosis describes long-term degenerative changes which may mislead individuals into considering invasive solutions, but recognizing these distinctions helps provide better management strategies.

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