o   During running and jumping activities these tendons are exposed to forces of up to 14 x our own bodyweight. Repeatedly loading these tendons could contribute to the development of tendinopathies.

o   Athletes doing more than three training sessions a week are more likely to develop a tendinopathy. Thus, the tendency to develop a tendinopathy correlates with training volume and frequency.

o   Weakness of the muscle-tendon function is commonly seen such as weakness of quadriceps and calves with Achilles tendinopathy. This has an effect on the coordination of movement of the hip, knee and ankle during weight-bearing activities.

o   Biomechanical factors such as a decrease of ankle dorsiflexion (lifting the foot from the ground) can increase the risk of developing Achilles and patellar tendinopathies.

o   Decreased hamstring and quadriceps flexibility lead to an increased risk of patellar tendinopathy.

o   Men are more likely to develop tendinopathies.

o   Estrogen has been found to actually protect tendons from pathology.

Reference: Kountouris, A. and Cook, J., 2007. Rehabilitation of Achilles and patellar tendinopathies. Best practice & research clinical rheumatology, 21(2), pp.295-316.

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Posted by: Ilse van Vuuren