From the Guidelines
Several connective tissue disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, scleroderma, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and gout, contribute to tendinitis by affecting the body's connective tissues and leading to chronic inflammation, altered collagen structure, and decreased tissue elasticity.
Connective Tissue Disorders and Tendinitis
The following connective tissue disorders are known to contribute to tendinitis:
- Rheumatoid arthritis: The immune system attacks joint linings, causing inflammation that can spread to tendons 1.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus: Triggers widespread inflammation affecting multiple tissues, including tendons 1.
- Scleroderma: Causes hardening and tightening of skin and connective tissues, leading to decreased tissue elasticity and increased susceptibility to tendinitis 1.
- Ehlers-Danlos syndrome and Marfan syndrome: Involve genetic defects in collagen production, making tendons more susceptible to injury and inflammation 1.
- Gout: Characterized by uric acid crystal deposits, can cause inflammation in tendons near affected joints 1.
Mechanisms of Tendinitis
These disorders contribute to tendinitis through various mechanisms, including:
- Chronic inflammation: Leads to tissue damage and degeneration 1.
- Altered collagen structure: Affects the strength and elasticity of tendons, making them more susceptible to injury 1.
- Decreased tissue elasticity: Reduces the ability of tendons to absorb stress and strain, leading to increased risk of injury 1.
- Abnormal immune responses: Damage tendon tissue and contribute to the development of tendinitis 1.
Importance of Early Diagnosis and Management
Early diagnosis and management of these underlying conditions is essential for effectively treating associated tendinitis. This can help to reduce the risk of chronic inflammation, tissue damage, and degeneration, and improve outcomes for patients with tendinitis 1.
From the Research
Connective Tissue Disorders and Tendinitis
The following connective tissue disorders have been linked to musculoskeletal manifestations, including tendinitis:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) 2
- Scleroderma 3, 4
- Sjögren's syndrome 3, 4
- Mixed connective tissue disease 5
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) 6, 5
Musculoskeletal Manifestations
These connective tissue disorders can cause a range of musculoskeletal symptoms, including:
- Arthritis 4, 6, 2
- Myopathies 3, 4
- Polyneuropathies 3
- Mononeuropathies 3
- Entrapment neuropathies 3
- Tendinitis (although not explicitly mentioned in the studies, it is a common musculoskeletal manifestation of these disorders)
Autoimmune Response
The autoimmune response in these connective tissue disorders can lead to inflammation and immune-mediated injury to multiple organ systems, including the musculoskeletal system 2, 5. This can result in a range of symptoms, including tendinitis, which is a common manifestation of these disorders.