Have you ever wondered how all this happens when you walk, run, lift an arm, or lift a weight? Today we're talking about the silent hero behind all these movements. This part of our body that we don't usually think about much, but is essential to our body, is called a tendon. Some people also call it a tendon. So, let's take a look at what these tendons are, what happens to them, and how to keep them healthy.
Simply put, what is a tendon?
Think of a tendon as a strong, yet somewhat flexible rope. The main function of this rope is to connect our muscles to our bones. This connection is what allows us to move our limbs, walk, run, and jump. In addition, these tendons help to absorb some of the impact that our muscles experience when we run and jump, reducing damage to them.
There are thousands of tendons in our bodies, from our heads to our toes. The Achilles tendon, which connects the muscle in your shin to your heel bone, is the largest tendon in our bodies.
Although they are less likely to tear, they are not as elastic as a rubber band. This means that they can be easily damaged if subjected to too much strain. Also, when they do, they take a while to heal.
What kind of work does a tendon actually do?
This is a very simple mechanism. When you contract a muscle, that is, when you stretch it, the tendon attached to it pulls on the bone it is attached to. That is when the bone moves. Just like a puppet is pulled by strings when it dances, our muscles pull on strings called tendons to move the bones.
Tendons are much stronger than muscles. For example, some tendons in your foot can support up to eight times your body weight!
How is a tendon formed?
Tendons are mainly made of a protein called collagen . This is the most abundant protein in our body. In addition, tendons also contain blood vessels and nerves.
Collagen fibers are flexible, strong, and not easily damaged. The structure of a tendon is like a fiber optic cable or a large rope. Small collagen fibers come together to form bundles, which then join together to form larger bundles, and finally, all of them come together to form the entire tendon. This bundle arrangement is what gives a tendon its great strength.
There are several main parts and layers in a tendon. Let's take a brief look at these.
| Section name | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Epitenon | The thin layer of connective tissue that surrounds the entire tendon. |
| Paratenon | Another layer of tissue on the outside of the epitenon. This allows the tendon to glide over the surrounding tissue, meaning it moves more easily. |
| Sharpey fibers | These are the collagen fibers that firmly attach the tendon to the bone. |
| Tendon Sheath / Synovium | Some tendons in our hands and feet have a protective sheath around them. This produces a lubricating substance called synovial fluid . This allows the tendon to glide smoothly over the muscle and bone without any friction. However, not all tendons have this sheath. |
How do muscle and bone connect to the tendon?
There are two main connection points in a tendon. These are called 'junctions'.
1. Musculotendinous junction (MTJ): This is where the tendon attaches to the muscle. This is where injuries often occur, such as during sports.
2. Osteotendinous junction (OTJ): This is where the tendon connects to the bone.
Also, where the tendon and bone meet, there are small fluid-filled sacs called bursae . These act as cushions and reduce friction.
Remember, a tendon is not just a piece of string. It is a very complex, strong, and essential structure for our movement.
What are the main diseases and disorders that can affect tendons?
Since tendons connect almost every muscle in our body, there are many disorders and conditions that can affect them. Tendons are especially susceptible to damage as we age . This is because tendons become thinner over time, their blood supply decreases, and small amounts of damage accumulate over time, weakening the tendon.
These are some of the most common conditions that affect tendons.
| Status name | A brief introduction |
|---|---|
| Tendonitis | This is what we call a tendon becoming swollen, or inflamed. Many people have heard of this. This condition can be caused by repeatedly doing the same movement. |
| Tendinosis | What happens in this is that the collagen fibers in the tendon gradually wear away. This is a long-term condition. |
| Tenosynovitis | Inflammation of the protective sheath around the tendon. This condition is most common in the wrist, hands, and feet. |
| Strains | A 'strain' is when a tendon is pulled too far, causing damage to its fibers. |
| Enthesopathy and Enthesitis | Diseases that occur at the point where the tendon attaches to the bone (enthesis). |
Well, so how do we keep our tendons healthy?
There are many simple things we can do to reduce the damage to our tendons. If you make these a habit, you can avoid many injuries.
- Balance your workouts: Instead of doing the same type of exercise every day, alternate between cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises. This will reduce the amount of stress on the same tendon.
- Listen to your body: Avoid strenuous exercise when you are tired or stressed. Give your body a break.
- Stop if you feel pain: If you feel pain while doing something, stop doing it immediately. Try it again after a while to see if the pain returns. If the pain persists, don't ignore it.
- Stretch after exercise: After a workout, your muscles are warm and flexible. Stretching at this time can help prevent tendon damage. But never stretch to the point of pain.
- Warm up before exercising: Instead of starting a big workout right away, warm up by doing something simple like walking or jogging for 5-10 minutes. This will increase blood flow and loosen up the tendons.
- Wear shoes that fit: Especially when playing sports, use a pair of shoes that are appropriate for the sport you are playing and that fit your feet perfectly.
- Take rest days: Instead of exercising every day of the week, take a day or two off. This gives your tendons time to recover.
Finally, tendons are a vital part of our body's movement, even though we don't think about them much. Keeping them healthy can protect you from many ailments. If you have persistent pain anywhere, don't ignore it. Be sure to see your doctor for advice. He or she will be able to pinpoint the cause and prescribe the treatment you need.
Take-Home Message
- Tendons are strong 'rope-like' parts that connect our muscles to our bones.
- These are essential for every movement in our body.
- Tendons can be easily injured, so it is very important to warm up before exercising and stretch afterwards.
- It is very important to listen to your body and rest when you are in pain.
- If there is persistent pain or swelling, do not ignore it and see your doctor immediately.
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