Tendon and joint pain: causes and contributing factors
Tendon and joint pain can occur in many areas, including the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle or foot. Sometimes there is a clear trigger, such as a new sporting load or an injury. In other cases, symptoms build gradually or keep returning. Several factors can be involved at the same time: local load capacity, mobility of surrounding joints, recovery, sleep, stress, previous injury, medication or changes around perimenopause and menopause.
At Amsterdam Osteo, we therefore look beyond the area that hurts. We explore how the symptoms started, which movements or loads affect them and whether other parts of the body may be influencing recovery. Osteopathy does not replace medical diagnosis. Persistent swelling, redness, fever, unexplained night pain, loss of strength or a severe symptom with sudden onset should first be assessed by a GP or medical specialist.
Symptoms and contributing factors
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Recurring tendon complaints or overuse symptoms
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Stiffness or pain around the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, ankle or foot
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Symptoms that repeatedly flare up during sport or work
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Reduced mobility after an injury or period of rest
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Slow recovery after exertion
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Changes in load tolerance around perimenopause and menopause
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Persistent or fluctuating symptoms where sleep, stress, nutrition or recovery may play a role
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Compensatory movement patterns after previous injury or surgery
How may osteopathy help?
Osteopath Roy Vruggink combines his background in physiotherapy and osteopathy. During the assessment, he looks at mobility, load, compensatory movement patterns and factors that may slow recovery. Treatment is tailored to the findings and may include gentle manual techniques, advice on movement and load management and, where appropriate, collaboration with a physiotherapist, GP or another healthcare professional. We cannot guarantee recovery; the aim is to identify and address factors that may be contributing to the symptoms.
Persistent symptoms and perimenopause
With long-standing or recurring symptoms, or when symptoms change around perimenopause and menopause, a broader perspective may be useful. Mind Your Gut can complement this by looking at nutrition, energy balance, sleep, lifestyle and hormonal factors. Where relevant, their doctor or dietitian can advise on appropriate additional testing. This is always complementary to, and not a replacement for, regular medical care.
Book an appointment
Would you like to explore which factors may be contributing to your tendon or joint symptoms? Book an appointment with Roy Vruggink or one of our other osteopaths.
See our appointment page for current fees and information about reimbursement.