The difference between tendinitis and gout

Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

Updated on September 13, 2024

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The difference between tendinitis and gout is significant; these are two completely different diseases, although their symptoms are similar, including redness, swelling, heat, pain, and functional impairment. Tendinitis generally involves the muscles and tendons and is a type of aseptic inflammation caused by various reasons. In contrast, gout is due to abnormal metabolism of purines in the body, leading to the accumulation of gouty tophi in the joints, producing inflammatory symptoms. Therefore, tendinitis and gout are fundamentally different diseases.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

39sec

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Can tendinitis be seen on an X-ray?

If you are referring to taking an X-ray, tendonitis can only be detected in one situation by X-ray, that is, if the tendonitis has caused calcification. Only then the calcification appears as a high density on the X-ray; otherwise, X-rays won’t show tendonitis. The best examination for tendonitis is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) because MRI excels in viewing soft tissue disorders, a capability unmatched by other examinations. So, if you suspect you have tendonitis, an MRI should be the first choice, and taking X-rays is not very significant.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

1min 7sec

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The difference between tendinitis and tenosynovitis

Actually, tendinitis and tenosynovitis are essentially two aspects of the same condition. The term tendinitis usually refers to the part where the muscle transitions into the tendon, whereas tenosynovitis generally refers to the fibrous sheath over the tendon surface. Thus, tendinitis and tenosynovitis often coexist; tendinitis can lead to tenosynovitis, and conversely, tenosynovitis can also affect tendinitis, causing or exacerbating it. Therefore, in clinical practice, there usually is not a clear distinction between tendinitis and tenosynovitis. It is common during surgeries for stenosing tenosynovitis to observe that the tendon is also congested and swollen, and even adhered to the tendon sheath. Thus, tendinitis and tenosynovitis are generally considered the same disease, merely referred to by two different names. However, if strictly distinguished, there is a certain difference, which lies in the location: tendinitis refers to the tendon itself, while tenosynovitis refers to the sheath outside the tendon.

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Written by Li Jie

Orthopedics

43sec

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Can tendinitis be treated with moxibustion?

Tendonitis occurs commonly due to two reasons: overuse, which means excessive local activity, and trauma. Both causes lead to local aseptic inflammation of the tendon, resulting in edema, exudation, swelling, and pain. Moxibustion can be effective in this situation because it helps in activating blood circulation, reducing stasis, relieving swelling, and alleviating pain. The specific locations for applying moxibustion include the painful tendon area, and since the tendon is an extension of the muscle, not only the painful tendon area should be treated with moxibustion, but the entire muscle bundle can also be treated to help relieve overall muscle and tendon spasms and reduce pain.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

1min 15sec

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Can tendinitis be treated with an injection?

Tendonitis can be treated with injections, which provide both anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects, often resulting in a very satisfactory therapeutic outcome. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind when performing these injections: First, the injection site must be free of infection and dermatitis; the skin must be clean and intact. Second, it is best to avoid injecting the medication near the attachment points of muscles or tendons on bones. In some cases, such as with femoral condyle osteoarthritis, injections near these points are necessary, but care should be taken not to inject directly into the attachment points to prevent tendon rupture at those sites, which are currently irreplaceable with current scientific techniques. Third, do not exceed three tendonitis injections. Many patients may recover after one or two injections, but some might go for a third if they do not feel significant improvement. If there is no noticeable benefit after three injections, or if the treatment is ineffective, the injection therapy might not be suitable for you, and other treatments should be considered. Therefore, while tendon injections can be an option for tendonitis, it is essential to apply the correct methods.

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Written by Na Hong Wei

Orthopedics

47sec

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What should be paid attention to for tendinitis?

Things to pay attention to for tendinitis, which occurs due to overuse of muscle fibers or repeated intense pulling. It involves internal factors, which are your own factors, and external factors. This includes the incorrect intensity of training increase, which not only brings about technical fatigue, but the training environment is also very important. Therefore, after getting tendinitis, you need to start addressing both intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors mean finding a suitable exercise method based on your own situation, and not doing things you are incapable of. Extrinsic factors mean that you must pay attention to your exercise intensity, and specifically, the techniques and training environment, mainly to prevent injuries during training.