Enthesopathy – Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments
Dec 21, 2015
Enthesopathy is a medical term that refers to disorders of the musculoskeletal system – specifically those that impact the attachment of ligaments and tendons to bone. This article focuses on enthesopathy. We will define what it is, describe its symptoms, and offer some possible avenues for treatment.
Enthesopathy is a blanket term for a medical disorder that involves the attachment of tendons to bone. The area where a tendon attaches to bone is called an entheses (which is where the name comes from). There are many areas in the body where tendons attach to bones, and as a result, there are many regions in the body wherein a patient can develop and enthesopathic condition. Enthesopathy can spring up in the spine, knee, ankle, elbow, wrist, as well as other areas throughout the body.
Some of the common signs and symptoms of enthesopathy include:
Our ability to move various body parts is dependent on the tendons, ligaments, and bones of our musculoskeletal system. Enthesopathy disrupts this system and can cause a lot of problems.
Treating enthesopathy depends greatly on where the condition presents in the body. Treatment options for spinal enthesopathy differ from appropriate treatments for ankle enthesopathy. So the first step in treatment is identifying the location and extent of the condition. Once that’s nailed down, your physician can offer a treatment strategy that fits your needs. Treatment options may include rest, pain medications, anti-inflammatory injections, or surgery.
If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of an enthesopathic condition, contact a skilled pain management specialist as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the condition. At Advanced Spine & Pain Clinics of MN, our physicians treat patients throughout the Minneapolis / St. Paul Metro Area. With a combined 20 years of experience, our providers have the knowledge to effectively treat your pain.