What is the biceps tendon?

The biceps tendon is a thick tendon that connects the biceps muscle in the upper arm to the bone. This muscle is responsible for the movement of the elbow joint and the shoulder joint. The tendon runs along the front of the upper arm and attaches to two points: the shoulder blade (scapula) and the radius bone in the forearm. It plays an important role in many everyday movements such as lifting, gripping and carrying objects.

What is a biceps tendon rupture?

This condition occurs when the tendon that connects the biceps muscle to the bone ruptures partially or completely. The rupture can occur both in the upper part of the tendon (close to the shoulder blade) and in the lower part (close to the elbow). A partial rupture is also possible. In this case, the tendon is partially, but not completely, separated from its attachment point on the bone. This type of (partial) rupture of the biceps tendon can be caused by various factors:

Sudden overload or traumatic injury
When lifting very heavy objects or falling on the outstretched arm, the biceps muscle suddenly becomes very tense. This can cause the tendon to tear.

Repetitive strain
Continuous and repeated strain on the biceps muscle over a long period of time, as can be the case with certain sports or occupational activities, for example, can gradually weaken the tendon. This increases the risk of it tearing.

Degenerative changes
With increasing age, degenerative changes can occur in the tissue, which can also affect the biceps tendon. These make the tendon more susceptible to tears.

Pre-existing conditions
Tendon inflammation or osteoarthritis, for example, can increase the risk of a tendon rupture as they can impair its structure and strength.

Anatomical factors
In some cases, anatomical features such as a tendon structure that deviates from the norm or anomalies in the shoulder or elbow joint can increase the risk of a biceps tendon rupture.

What are the symptoms of a biceps tendon rupture?

Depending on the severity of the injury, a biceps tendon rupture can be accompanied by various symptoms:

Popping sound
There is often a distinct popping sound at the time of the injury, which is caused by the rupture of the tendon.

Pain in the upper arm or elbow
In particular, movements that strain the biceps muscle, such as bending the arm or lifting objects, can be painful if the tendon is torn.

Swelling and bruising
Swelling can also occur in the upper arm or elbow area. This is often accompanied by bruising along the tendon.

Loss of strength and limited mobility
A biceps tendon rupture can lead to a noticeable loss of strength. This is particularly noticeable when bending or lifting the arm. At the same time, the mobility of the affected arm is often restricted.

Diagnosis of a biceps tendon rupture at our practice in Frankfurt

It is crucial that you seek medical help immediately if you suspect a torn tendon. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve your chances of recovery. Untreated tendon ruptures can cause long-term dysfunction and complications. For this reason, it is important to take the injury seriously.

At our private practice for orthopaedics and traumatology in Frankfurt, we are highly experienced in diagnosing and treating a wide range of injuries. We have state-of-the-art technology such as high-resolution ultrasound and fully digital X-ray equipment to examine your tendons in detail.

As experts in the field of sports medicine and sports injuries, we are also your ideal contact in Frankfurt.

Biceps tendon tear treatment: various options

The treatment of a biceps tendon rupture depends on the severity of your injury and your individual needs. In general, there are two approaches to treatment:

Conservative treatment of the biceps tendon tear
If you have a partial tear of the tendon, there are medical contraindications for surgery or you would like non-surgical treatment initially, conservative treatment can be used. The RICE method is helpful here:

• Rest
  Temporarily restricting the movements and activities of the affected arm can help to prevent further damage and promote healing.
• Ice
  By cooling the affected area with ice or cool packs, you can relieve pain and reduce inflammation and swelling. We recommend applying ice several times a day for around 15-20 minutes.
• Compression
  A compression bandage or a special bandage can control the swelling and support the stability of the arm.
• Elevation
  Elevating the arm can also help to reduce swelling and promote the healing process.

We can also prescribe painkillers. Physiotherapy is also useful. With targeted exercises, manual techniques and other therapeutic interventions, it can help to restore the mobility of your arm and strengthen the surrounding muscles.

Surgical treatment of a torn biceps tendon
If the biceps tendon is completely torn, conservative measures are not sufficient or complications are to be expected, surgery may be necessary. During the procedure, the surgeon can repair the torn tendon or reattach it to another location.

A rehabilitation phase is important after the operation.

For partial tears of the biceps tendon or minor injuries, recovery takes around 6-12 weeks. In the case of pronounced ruptures or more severe injuries, healing can take longer. In some cases, full recovery may take 3-6 months or longer.

Biceps tendon rupture treatment: other options without surgery at our practice in Frankfurt

We can supplement your conservative treatment with other therapy options:

PRP treatment
In a PRP treatment, we take a small amount of blood from you, which we centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma. We then inject this into the injured tendon with the aim of promoting the growth of healthy tissue and accelerating healing.

Acupuncture
The small needles can help to relieve pain and promote relaxation. In certain cases, this can help to support the recovery process.

Kinesio taping
Taping can be useful as an adjunctive measure in conjunction with other therapies to relieve pain, improve arm stability and support the muscles.

Biceps tendon tear treatment in Frankfurt

A (partial) rupture of the biceps tendon is a painful and limiting injury that can have various causes. Depending on the severity of the injury and your individual needs, treatment options range from conservative approaches such as rest, physiotherapy and possibly complementary methods to surgical procedures.

It is important to seek immediate medical attention if you suspect a biceps tendon rupture so that you receive the appropriate diagnosis and treatment for the best possible recovery.

We are here for you! Simply contact us!

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SIJ: What is the sacroiliac joint and what does it do?

The sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a joint in the human body that is located between the pelvic bone (ilium) and the sacrum. This joint belongs to the category of amphiarthrosis joints, which means that its mobility is limited.

The sacroiliac joint has two important functions:

Providing stability
The joint plays a crucial role in maintaining the correct position of the pelvis. It also controls the movements between the pelvis and the spine. This stabilization is crucial for the upright posture and balance of the body.

Shock absorption
The sacroiliac joint also acts as a shock absorber. It absorbs shocks and stresses during activities such as walking, running or jumping. The joint distributes these forces evenly across the pelvis and spine to prevent injuries.

Various problems can cause SIJ pain

There are different types of problems that can be associated with the sacroiliac joint (SIJ). They can be accompanied by a wide range of complaints and symptoms. In most cases, there is sometimes severe pain in the lower back, buttocks, hips or legs. The pain is often worse when you stand, walk, bend or turn. Sometimes numbness or tingling can also occur.

The most common SIJ problems and clinical pictures include:

Dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint
In sacroiliac joint dysfunction, the joint does not function as it should, often due to overuse, trauma or misalignment. This can lead to pain, stiffness and limited mobility. This finding occurs quite frequently.

Arthritis of the SI joint
In arthritis, a joint is inflamed. This clinical picture can also affect the sacroiliac joint.

Pregnancy-related SIJ problems
During pregnancy, the connective tissue in a woman’s body loosens to make room for the growing baby. This can lead to the sacroiliac joint becoming unstable. This can be accompanied by pain.

Injuries to the sacroiliac joint
Traumatic injuries such as falls or accidents can affect the sacroiliac joint.

These are often referred to as SIJ syndrome. This term is used as a collective term for the various problems that can affect the sacroiliac joint.

Diagnosis of SIJ pain

Medical history and physical examination
First, we take a careful, detailed medical history. We will ask you about your symptoms, your medical history and possible injuries or traumatic events (such as accidents or falls). We will then carry out a physical examination. We will have you make certain movements, palpate you and carry out tests with you to determine the exact location of the symptoms. By applying pressure to the sacroiliac joint, for example, we can check whether this is already causing pain. This is an indication of SIJ syndrome.

Exclusion of other causes using imaging procedures
As the symptoms of SIJ syndromes can be similar to those of other lower back conditions, it is important to rule out other possible causes. These include, for example, bulging discs, slipped discs or hip problems.

For differential diagnoses, we use imaging techniques such as ultrasound and X-rays. If these are not informative enough, we can use MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT scans. These diagnostic methods can help to detect structural anomalies or changes in the area of the sacroiliac joint.

SIJ pain: treatment options in our practice in Frankfurt

The treatment of sacroiliac joint problems depends on your exact diagnosis and your individual circumstances and needs. In principle, the following treatments are possible at our private practice for orthopaedics and traumatology in Frankfurt:

Drug therapy
For acute and basic treatment, we can prescribe painkillers or anti-inflammatory medication to alleviate your symptoms. In some cases – especially if the muscles surrounding the SI joint are particularly tense – muscle relaxants are also useful. These are medications with special active ingredients that reduce and relieve muscle tension and muscle spasms.

Injections
For severe pain, we can inject local anesthetics and/or anti-inflammatory medication into your SI joint. There are various options for this in spinal therapy (e.g. neural therapy, segmental therapy, infiltrations close to the spine). The aim of the treatment is to relieve your pain and reduce any existing inflammation.

Chiropractic therapy
Chiropractic treatment is a form of manual therapy that we also offer at our practice in Frankfurt. Chiropractic treatment can help with SI joint problems in various ways: Firstly, it can restore the flexibility of your joint and thus improve your mobility. If the sacroiliac joint is displaced or misaligned, we can bring it back into the correct position. This can relieve pain and discomfort. Furthermore, the targeted manual techniques can help to relieve muscle tension around the sacroiliac joint.

Traction treatments
Traction is a method in which we apply controlled traction forces to your spine and the affected joint. Traction treatments can be particularly helpful if compression or misalignment of the sacroiliac joint is causing the symptoms. This can lead to unusual pressure on the joint. We can reduce the pressure through traction. We can also improve mobility if the function of the SIJ is restricted, e.g. due to adhesions. The treatment can also help to relax the muscles around the sacroiliac joint. In many cases, this all helps to improve the symptoms.

Acupuncture
Another option for treating SIJ pain is acupuncture. This is a traditional Chinese healing method in which we insert thin needles into your skin at specific points. Your body then releases endorphins – your body’s own pain-relieving substances. We can also use the needles to help relieve muscle tension. Acupuncture also improves blood circulation, which can further promote healing.

Complementary methods to treat SIJ problems

Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists can support the treatment of SIJ pain. They use targeted manual techniques and show you exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve the mobility of the sacroiliac joint. This can help to stabilize the joint and increase your freedom of movement.

Osteopathy
This holistic medical approach uses special manual techniques to diagnose, treat and prevent functional disorders and imbalances in the body. This concept can also be used to support the treatment of SI joint pain.

Sport or MTT
With a targeted training plan tailored to your symptoms, you can strengthen the muscles surrounding the SI joint and achieve improved stability. Medical training therapy (MTT for short) is also ideal for this.

Treating SIJ pain in Frankfurt

Pain originating from the sacroiliac joint can be very stressful and grueling – especially if it is particularly severe. At our practice in Frankfurt, we carry out a thorough diagnosis to determine the source of your pain and then draw up a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual situation.

We are here for you and won’t leave you alone with your pain! Simply contact us to make an appointment!

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What sports injuries are there?

Depending on the sport, individual circumstances, and type of activity, sports injuries can take many forms. These include:

Contusions and bruises
Bruises or hematomas result from a fall, for example. The skin and underlying tissue are then temporarily damaged. These sports injuries are often painful and cause swelling and discoloration.

Strains and sprains
A strain is an injury in which muscle fibers are overstretched by very forceful movements. There is a similar situation with ligaments. Here we speak of sprains. Symptoms include pain, swelling and limited mobility.

Injuries to ligaments and tendons
Ligament injuries are damage to the connective tissue structures that stabilize joints. These can be, for example, overstretching, strains or tears. Sports injuries can also affect the tendons. Strains, inflammations or tears are typical. You can read more about this here: Tendon Injuries Frankfurt and Tendon Rupture Frankfurt.

Bursitis
These are inflammations of the bursae, which are located near joints and serve to reduce friction. They can result from repetitive strain or traumatic injury to the area of a bursa, causing inflammation and pain. Other typical symptoms include swelling and limited motion.

Bone fractures
Collisions, direct blows, falls or similar can lead to fractures. A distinction is made between small cracks in the bones up to a complete fracture. One bone can be affected, but also several.

Joint injuries
If you put excessive strain on your joints or twist them in an unfavorable way, this can lead to meniscus tears or cartilage damage, for example. Such injuries may be accompanied by pain, swelling, stiffness, limited mobility, redness, a feeling of warmth, and possibly cracking sounds in the affected joint.

Overuse syndromes
These occur when repetitive stress and activities without adequate recovery result in tissue damage. Typical symptoms include persistent pain in the affected area, muscle weakness or fatigue, impaired performance and often inflammation. These symptoms indicate the need to adjust training and provide adequate rest to prevent further injury. Typical examples are patellar tendinitis (runner’s knee) or tibial tendinitis. These two syndromes often occur in sports that require repetitive motion.

Dislocations
A dislocation occurs when the bones at a joint leave their normal position, resulting in a significant shift or dislocation. This can cause severe pain, swelling and limited mobility, and usually requires immediate medical attention to reposition the joint.

Sports medicine Frankfurt: Diagnostics before treatment

In order for us to know how to treat your sports injury, we first need to know what exactly is causing your discomfort. The diagnosis of sports injuries involves several steps:

Medical history and physical examination
First, we ask you about the circumstances of the injury, any presenting symptoms and your medical history. We then perform a thorough examination of the injured area to detect swelling, pain, limited range of motion and other signs.

Imaging procedures
Depending on the nature of the injury, we may involve imaging procedures. Two of these are available right in our office. For example, we work with a modern, high-resolution ultrasound machine as well as a fully digital X-ray machine. This enables us to secure many findings. If there is any uncertainty or if these two measures are not sufficient, we can consult MRI or CT. These examinations are performed externally.

Functional tests
In some cases, special functional tests are useful to check the mobility, strength and stability of the injured area. This allows us to determine the degree of impairment. This supports treatment planning.

Laboratory tests
For certain injuries, especially if infection is suspected, we may involve laboratory tests such as blood tests to detect inflammatory markers or other abnormalities.

Treating a sports injury: What are the options?

The treatment of a sports injury depends on the type and severity of the injury. The treatment options will result from our diagnostics. First, some basic tips:

Rest and sparing
One of the most important things to do with sports injuries is to rest and take it easy on the affected area. This allows your body to recover and heal from injuries.

Cool
Using cool packs, for example, can reduce swelling and inflammation.

Elevate
By elevating the affected area above heart level, this can also help reduce swelling.

As part of sports medicine, we also offer you in our private practice for orthopedics and traumatology in Frankfurt.

Compression
In some cases, we will apply a compression bandage or elastic bandage. These methods can reduce swelling and improve the stability of the injured area.

Medication
We may prescribe pain medications for you to take as directed by us.

Cast or splints
More serious injuries, such as broken bones or more extensive ligament injuries, may require wearing a cast or splint to stabilize the area.

Kinesio taping
This is a technique in which we apply elastic tape to your skin to support muscle and joint function. Kinesio taping can help treat sports injuries by relieving pain, promoting circulation and reducing swelling. Furthermore, taping can help stabilize the affected area, allowing for faster recovery.

Acupuncture
In our practice in Frankfurt, we also offer the traditional Chinese healing method of acupuncture to complement conservative therapy. It can help treat sports injuries by relieving pain and reducing inflammation. Thin needles that we place at specific acupuncture points on your body promote the release of the body’s own pain-relieving substances and increase blood flow. This can contribute to accelerated healing of injured tissue.

Shockwave Therapy
In this non-invasive treatment method, we direct high-energy sound waves specifically at the injured area. It can help treat sports injuries because: The therapy can improve blood flow and metabolism in the affected tissue, reduce inflammation and promote tissue regeneration. It can relieve pain and speed healing, especially for tendon and muscle conditions such as tendonitis or fascia problems.

Physical Therapy
For many sports injuries, physical therapy can be helpful in restoring mobility, strength and stability. A physical therapist can recommend specific exercises and techniques.

Treating sports injuries: When is surgery necessary?

Surgery for a sports injury is usually considered when the injury is severe in nature and/or the above conservative treatment methods are not sufficient to adequately treat the injury.

Examples of sports injuries that may require surgery include complex bone fractures, severe ligament or tendon tears, and joint dislocations or instabilities. Surgery may also be indicated if your injury becomes chronic and conservative measures do not bring you improvement.

Factors such as the type and severity of the injury, your age and general health, and your athletic activities all influence the decision to have surgery. Careful evaluation and consultation is critical to choosing the best possible treatment option.

Sports medicine Frankfurt: treat sports injuries with Dr. Tabrizi

At our practice in Frankfurt, we specialize in treating sports injuries. With comprehensive diagnostics, a wealth of experience and a wide range of treatments, we can help you get back on your feet.

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Biceps tendon tear on the arm

A biceps tendon injury can result in the tearing of a portion of the tendon that attaches the biceps muscle to your shoulder or forearm. The biceps muscle is largely responsible for bending the elbow joint and consists of three tendons. In the upper area, it is connected to the shoulder via two tendons (long and short biceps tendon) – in the lower area, it is connected to the forearm via a common tendon. Tears in the forearm area often occur suddenly due to intense tension. Tears in the shoulder area are usually caused by degenerative changes in the shoulder joint. Prolonged shoulder discomfort often precedes a tear.

Typical symptoms of a rupture of the biceps tendon

• Sudden, stabbing pain
• Audible “pop”
• Large bruise on the forearm and in the area of the flexor elbow joint
• The biceps muscle pulls back, when tensing it shifts upwards

Therapy in Frankfurt
Injuries to the shoulder and elbow have different effects. In the case of forearm injuries, a major loss of strength in flexion and external rotation of the forearm usually leads to surgical treatment, especially in younger patients. In this case, the tendon is reattached to the attachment on the forearm with the help of suture anchors.

In the case of tendon rupture at the shoulder, the loss of strength is less, and treatment is usually without surgery.

Rupture of the extensor or flexor tendons of the hand

Hand tendon injuries can result in tears, bony avulsions or severances of the affected tendons. Sharp severances of the tendon often occur due to injuries with broken glass or knives. A bony avulsion of the tendon can result from violent bending or extending movements of the fingers. Sometimes a tendon tears even without a direct (sports) accident, for example, due to inflammatory or rheumatic diseases.

Typical symptoms of a tear of the extensor or flexor tendons of the hand

• Restricted movement of the fingers or hand
• Malpositioning of the fingers
• Pain
• Swelling
• Bruises

Therapy in Frankfurt
A thorough physical examination is crucial in hand tendon injuries, and we pay particular attention to the type and extent of movement restrictions in the fingers. To rule out possible bone injuries, it often requires an X-ray examination.

Treatment options for injured tendons are varied and depend on the type of injury. We can often successfully treat extensor tendon injuries in the front of the fingers with a splint or cast without surgery.

Flexor tendon injuries usually require surgical treatment, which should be performed promptly after the injury to suture the tendon. If treatment is delayed, a tendon graft is sometimes required.

Tear of the quadriceps or patellar tendon at the knee

Both tendons attach to the kneecap (patella). A rupture of the quadriceps tendon is the rupture of the tendon that connects the thigh extensor (quadriceps muscle) to the kneecap. In the case of an affected patellar tendon, the tendon that runs from the lower pole of the kneecap to the lower leg tears. Both tendons are part of the extensor apparatus of the leg and transmit force from your thigh to your lower leg. Tendon rupture usually occurs due to degenerative changes in the tendons. Acutely, it can also be caused by severe muscle strain in a flexed position of the knee joint, and less commonly by direct trauma to the kneecap.

Typical symptoms of a tear of the quadriceps or patellar tendon at the knee

• Loud cracking in the knee
• Swelling soon after
• Restricted ability to walk / running often no longer possible at all
• Reduced strength when stretching the knee joint
• Instability of the knee
• Inability to move the knee

Therapy in Frankfurt
In this case, surgical treatment is usually required. The tendon is either sutured or, in the case of tears close to the bone, reattached to the bone.

Rupture of the Achilles tendon on the foot

The Achilles tendon transmits the force of the calf muscles to the heel bone and allows the movement where you can lower the toe down. This allows you to stand on your toes or push off the ground when running or jumping. Although the Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body, it can tear. External trauma is rarely the cause. In most cases, there is a chronic change in the tendon. The tear then occurs due to sudden strain or abrupt stopping.

Typical symptoms of tendon rupture of the Achilles tendon in the foot

• Sudden, whip-like pop
• Sharp pain above the heel and in the calf
• Limited ability to walk
• Therapy in Frankfurt
• First, a careful ultrasound examination of the tendon is performed to determine if the ruptured tendon ends are sufficiently approaching in a pointed foot position. If this is the case, conservative therapy can be performed in a special lower leg boot.

If the tendon ends are too far apart or the tendon is torn directly at the calcaneus, surgery is required.

Also possible: partial tear of a tendon

In a partial tendon tear, the tendon in question is partially, but not completely, torn away from its attachment point to bone or muscle. This type of injury falls between a tendon strain, in which the tendon is overstretched or irritated, and a complete tendon tear, in which the tendon is completely separated.

Causes of a partial tear of a tendon can include acute trauma, overuse or degenerative changes. For example, a sudden fall or heavy load can damage the tendon and cause a partial tear. With repetitive stress or chronic overuse, the tendon may gradually wear down and tear.

Symptoms of a partial tear of a tendon may include pain, swelling and dysfunction in the affected region. The severity of symptoms depends on the degree of the tear.

Treatment can be conservative and includes rest, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the injured tendon.

Other tendon injuries with similar symptoms

There are other tendon injuries or conditions where the tendon is not torn but causes similar symptoms.

These include:

• Inflammation of the tendon and tendon sheath.
• Strains
• Tendon slippage
• Tendon calcification
• Tendon dislocation
• Tendon tissue thickening

You can learn more about the individual tendon diseases here: Tendon injuries Frankfurt

Diagnostics and treatment of tendon ruptures in Frankfurt

It is important to seek medical attention immediately if a tendon tear is suspected. Early diagnosis and treatment can greatly improve the chances of recovery. Untreated tendon tears can lead to long-term dysfunction and complications, so you should take the injury seriously.

At our private practice for orthopedics and traumatology in Frankfurt, we specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of injuries. We have a state-of-the-art, high-resolution ultrasound as well as a fully digital X-ray machine to examine your tendons. Since we are also experts in the field of sports medicine as well as sports injuries, we are also your perfect contact in Frankfurt for all these issues.

We can complement the respective conservative treatment with, for example, PRP treatment, acupuncture or kinesio-taping in our practice in Frankfurt.

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Causes of tendon injuries

Tendon injuries can occur in a number of ways.

Poor warm-up and stretching
Inadequate warm-up and stretching before exercise can make tendons less flexible and increase the risk of injury.

Overuse
Tendon injuries are often the result of chronic overuse. Repeated, intense stress on the tendons, without adequate rest and recovery, can lead to microtears. This often occurs in sports that require repetitive movements such as running, tennis, golf or baseball.

Trauma
Acute injuries, such as sudden impacts or falls, can lead to tendon tears. For example, a fall on the extended leg can lead to an Achilles tendon tear.

Incorrect posture and inadequate technique
Incorrect posture or inadequate technique during certain activities can place excessive stress on tendons. This is often the case with weight training or sports involving explosive movements. These are fast and powerful activities in which the muscles release a high amount of energy in a short period of time to produce maximum power. These are for example jumps, sprints and throws.

Age
As we age, the elasticity and strength of tendons decreases, increasing the risk of tendon injury. This is a natural process and can lead to injury.

Anatomical factors
Some individuals have a higher risk of tendon injury due to their anatomical structure. For example, an abnormal tendon path can increase the risk.

Medications and diseases
Certain medications, such as fluoroquinolones, can make tendons more unstable, making you more likely to injure them. In addition, diseases such as rheumatism or diabetes can make tendons more vulnerable.

Inflammation, tear and strain: the most common tendon injuries

Tendon inflammation (tendinitis)
So-called tendinitis is an inflammation of a tendon. In this case, it is irritated and swollen. This causes pain that usually occurs near the affected tendon. The pain often intensifies with movement or strain on the affected region, with limited functionality. The affected region may feel stiff, especially in the morning or after prolonged rest. In some cases, the skin over the affected tendon may also be red and warmer than the surrounding skin.

The cause is usually overuse, e.g. due to repetitive movements, incorrect technique in sports or unfavorable workplace conditions.

Typical examples of tendonitis are Achilles tendonitis and tennis or golfer’s elbow.

Tendon strain
Another possible tendon injury is a strain. It occurs when a tendon is stretched beyond its normal extent. Again, there may be pain, swelling, redness and sometimes bruising at the affected area. The severity of the stretch can vary from mild to severe.

Tendon strain can occur when a tendon is abruptly or excessively stretched, for example, by a sudden impact, a strong tensile load, or a rapid movement. Repetitive motions or stresses that strain a tendon over a long period of time can also cause it. This often occurs in sports or occupational activities that require repetitive motion. If you do not warm up or stretch adequately before exercising or doing physical work, this can increase your risk for a pulled tendon.

A typical example is the strain of the tendons in the thigh area (quadriceps tendon strain).

Tendon rupture
When a tendon partially or completely ruptures, it is called tendinosis. Tendon rupture is usually accompanied by severe, sudden pain near the injured tendon. The pain can be so severe that it significantly restricts movement of the affected area. In addition, there is swelling. Since the small blood vessels near the torn tendon are usually damaged as well, there is also a bruise in most cases.

A tendon rupture can significantly affect the normal function of the muscle associated with the torn tendon. This often leads to a noticeable loss of strength as well as a restriction of movement.

The causes are, for example, accidents or overuse of the tendon. Degenerative changes, as can occur through the natural aging process, or congenital malpositions are also often to blame for ruptures. Tendon ruptures are also common sports accidents or the result of improper technique during training.

Typical examples are the rupture of the biceps tendon or the patellar tendon.

You can also read more about this topic here: Tendon rupture: What happens when a tendon tears?

Other types of tendon problems

In addition to the typical tendon injuries mentioned above, there are other problems that can affect tendons. For example, various other conditions can also be associated with pain, dysfunction and limited movement:

Tendovaginitis
In a condition called tendovaginitis, the tendon sheath (e.g., in the elbow), a protective tube that surrounds and lubricates the tendon, becomes inflamed.

Tendon slippage
This is a problem in which the tendon does not slide smoothly in its tendon sheath. This is referred to as tendosynovitis. The wrists are often affected here.

Tendonosis
This is a condition in which calcium deposits occur in the tendon. Tendinosis calcarea often occurs in the shoulder (calcareous shoulder).

Tendon dislocation
Sometimes a tendon can slip or slide out of its normal position. This can cause it to shift. This is called tendon dislocation. An example is flexor tendon luxation in the fingers.

Tendon tissue thickening
In this condition, the tissue of the tendon thickens abnormally, for example, at the knee.

Diagnostics and therapy for tendon injuries in Frankfurt

It is important to take tendon injuries seriously and seek medical attention to ensure the best possible recovery.

If you have had an accident or suddenly notice pain, limited range of motion or other problems that may indicate tendon injuries and disorders listed above, please make an appointment with our private practice for orthopedics and traumatology in Frankfurt.

We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of injuries. In addition, we are also experts in the field of sports medicine and sports injuries. To find out what exactly is wrong with you, we work with a modern, high-resolution ultrasound machine as well as a fully digital X-ray machine.

The particular treatment depends on the type and severity of your individual tendon problem. Therapy may include immobilization with bandages and orthotics, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications and targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles around the affected tendon. Peri- and intra-articular infiltrations, PRP treatment, shock wave therapy, acupuncture or kinesio-taping in our practice in Frankfurt are also possible.

In severe cases, surgery may be necessary.

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