Risk factors for overuse tendinopathy

Tendinopathies limit physical activity, are often long-standing, and are often difficult to treat. A through understanding of the risk factors for tendinopathy is important for several reasons. First, it makes screening for these factors possible among high risk populations (that is, athletes). Second, prophylactic treatment can be devised, evaluated and applied among high risk individuals. Third, knowing which factors increase the risk of tendinopathy gives insight into the underlying mechanisms. And finally, treatment can be directed toward modifying the factors that have precipitated the injury. The underlying assumption is that addressing these underlying factors will improve treatment outcomes and prevent recurrences.