Tendinopathy refers to a range of tendon conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and weakness in affected areas. These conditions typically result from overuse or repetitive strain, but they can also be caused by trauma or underlying inflammatory medical conditions.

The most common types of tendinopathies include:

Tendinitis: This is an acute inflammation of a tendon caused by overuse or trauma. It typically causes pain, swelling, and tenderness in the affected area. Is usually seen in the first days or weeks after the injury.

Tendinosis: This is a chronic condition in which the tendon degenerates and loses its strength and elasticity. Healthy normal tendon tissue is replaced by “scar” tissue. It is often caused by repetitive strain and can result in pain, weakness, and stiffness.

Tenosynovitis: This is an inflammation of the synovial sheath that surrounds a tendon. It can cause pain, swelling, and limited range of motion.

Tears: Tearing of tendons is fairly common, in the acute and chronic phases. Not every tendon tear needs to be repaired surgically.

One of the most common places is the elbow and shoulder.

Elbow tendinosis can occur in the medial (Golfers elbow) or lateral (Tennis elbow) elbow. This can result in chronic pain and tenderness in the elbow, forearm, and wrist. Common causes include repetitive activities that involve gripping or twisting motions, such as playing tennis, painting, or using a computer mouse.

MSK Ultrasound is an excellent imaging modality that will help diagnose tendon injury without leaving the office.

Osteoarthritis (arthrosis) is a degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the cartilage in joints.

In osteoarthritis, the cartilage begins to break down and wear away, causing bones to rub against each other.

This can result in pain, stiffness, swelling and loss of mobility in the affected joint.

Treatment options include;

Weight Management, exercise, medications like (NSAID’s) and physical therapy.

Ultrasound Guided steroid injections can help treat pain in a fast manner.

In the other hand, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections can give a more long lasting effect.

Lower back pain is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, muscle strain or sprain, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and arthritis.

Common symptoms of lower back pain include:

Pain, stiffness, muscle spasm, limited range of motion, tingling and numbness.

Sharp, shooting pain could mean sciatic nerve entrapment.

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a condition that causes pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and wrist. It occurs when the median nerve, which runs from the forearm to the hand through a narrow passageway in the wrist called the carpal tunnel, becomes compressed or squeezed.

Common causes of carpal tunnel syndrome include repetitive hand movements, such as typing or using a computer mouse, as well as conditions such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

Treatment options for carpal tunnel syndrome vary depending on the severity of the symptoms. Some common treatment options include rest, wrist brace, physical therapy, medications.

Ultrasound guided injections of steroid or PRP are a efficient and safe way to treat CTS.

Dorsal scapular neuralgia is a condition that occurs when the dorsal scapular nerve, which innervates the muscles in the shoulder blade region, becomes compressed or irritated. This can cause pain and discomfort in the shoulder blade area and can also affect the neck and upper back.

Common causes of dorsal scapular neuralgia include injury, poor posture, repetitive motions, and conditions such as cervical herniated disc.

Some common treatment options include physical therapy and medications.

With the help of Ultrasound imaging, Dr. Galvez can find the dorsal scapular nerve, and perform a nerve block, treating pain in a safe and rapid way.