Gone are the days when people retired from racing due to tendonitis: distant but not for this reason avertedVisconti officially stopped at the last Giro d'Italia due to tendinitis (the illustration of the knee inflammation by Project Invictus opens) and it is not uncommon that especially after stages in the rain, some people start to be wrapped in various bandages, which serve to keep the suffering joints aligned to prevent inflammation. We spoke about the topic with Francesco Maria Guerrini, a physiotherapist with a degree in Motor Sciences, who works at the Physioradi Center of Pesaro.
«Tendinitis – he says – it is an acute inflammatory process affecting a tendon caused by functional overloadand due to repeated micro-stresses".
Could there be some kind of congenital predisposition?
Tendinitis can have congenital causes, such as a knock knee or a flat foot and therefore any incorrect posture, which leads to tendon overload.
How do you fight tendonitis?
First with prevention and a correct evaluation of sports equipmentIf tendinitis is diagnosed, treatment includes anti-inflammatory medication, local ice, and physiotherapy with instrumental physical therapy (Tecar, high-power laser, shock waves, etc.), combined with manual therapy and therapeutic exercise.
Is prevention the best cure, by evaluating the position on the bike and that of the cleats under the shoes?
Certainly the position on the bike must always be checked, not only at the onset of tendinitis, but constantly. Especially when changing materials (frame, saddle, shoes, cleats, etc.) to try to prevent the problem. Cleats are a fundamental component that should always be checked, both for positioning and for wear.
Does resuming exercise after tendinitis only occur after full recovery?
Absolutely not, as already mentioned previously, exercise is an integral part of therapy, as demonstrated by scientific studies conducted by a well-known Australian University. However premature resumption of activity could cause a recurrence of inflammation with much more serious consequences for the tendon.
Another classic tendinitis in cyclists, although often due to incorrect positioning or overload, is that of the Achilles tendon: does the size of the tendon make recovery more difficult?
From the experience of many years We believe that it is not the size of the tendon that affects recovery.The fact that it is a less vascularized tendon than others and subjected to greater mechanical stress could have an impact.
Taping and external remedies Do they promote recovery or allow you to live with the problem?
They greatly aid recovery because they help reduce pain and make the joint work better reducing the stress on the inflamed tendon.
