LIFESTYLE NEWS - Exercise is one of the ways to improve your physical wellbeing and it aids in great measure to get rid of ailments, aches and pains. Follow the exercise programme provided by the biokineticists at Anine van der Westhuizen Biokineticist in George and feel the difference. 

This week biokineticist Megan van Huyssteen discusses more aspects of knee injuries.

This week I discuss the difference between tendinitis, tendinosis and bursitis. These conditions can occur independently or may occur together in an area.

The knee joint is always working to provide balance between the foot, leg and hip. The muscles of the knee are consistently contracting to move or stabilise the joint as it is put through its motion and are often susceptible to acute repetitive and chronic strain (tendinitis, tendinosis and / or bursitis)

Tendons are cord-like structures located where a muscle narrows down to attach to a bone. A tendon transmits the pull of the muscle to the bone to cause movement. Tendinitis is acute inflammation as a result of a larger-scale damage of the tendon and is often very tender to the touch. 

Tendinosis refers to chronic degeneration of a tendon over time. Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa. This small liquid sac acts as a cushion between moving structures (bones, muscles and tendons). 

If a muscle or tendon is pulling over a bone, a healthy bursa protects it from stress. When a bursa is inflamed, it becomes very painful, even during rest.

Causes

• Tendon and bursa injuries are most commonly caused by repetitive strain and / or by excessive load due to poor posture during movement, because movement presents altered biomechanics - the positioning of the foot, ankle, knee, hips and pelvis.
• Damage can also be caused by direct trauma.
• Some arthritic conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis) can also be implicated.

Signs and symptoms

• Knee pain, often felt below or above the knee cap;
• Pain can be constant or occur with certain knee movements;
• Knee weakness may occur with certain movements;
• Pain can be more prominent at night and can wake you at night;
• Pain when getting up from a chair, especially after sitting for long periods;
• Pain with going up and / or down stairs;
• Pain may increase with walking, cycling or standing for long periods.

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