Muscles and tendons are structures in our body that work together as a unit to help our body move. The muscle is composed of contractile tissue that shortens and lengthens to produce activity. While tendons are primarily made up of connective tissue, connecting muscle to bone.
While the muscles and tendons are closely related, they have very different roles and functions in the human body. The muscles’ primary function is to help body movement; push and pull against resistance. On the other hand, the tendon connects the muscle to the bone to transmit movement to the bone. Each muscle has two tendons located at each end which anchors it across one or more joints. These are called sites of origin and insertion.
Golfer’s and tennis elbow (medial and lateral epicondylitis)
Weightlifter’s elbow (triceps tendonitis)
Jumper’s knee pPatella tendinopathy)
Achilles tendonitis or tendinopathy
Achilles tear or rupture
Biceps tendon tear or rupture
Rotator cuff tendinopathy
Laceration of deep cuts
Muscle tears and strains (grade I and grade II)
Grade III strains or complete ruptures
Contusions or ‘corkies’
Compartment syndrome
Laceration or deep cuts
Radiculopathies or referred nerve pain
It can be challenging to distinguish between a tendon or muscle injury because of their close relationship.
While not always the case, tendon injuries tend to occur over time due to repetitive movements and overuse. In contrast, most muscle injuries are strains and tears that usually happen through a specific action or moment (e.g., jumping, sprinting at high speeds, etc.).
| Tendon Injuries | Muscle Injuries | |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Either gradually or immediately | Usually immediately but can be gradual (e.g. compartment syndrome, referred pain, etc.) |
| Causes | Overuse from repetitive movements or activities | Sudden and unexpected movements that load the muscle - especially during high intensity (e.g. jumping, sprinting, etc.) |
| Laceration or deep cuts into the tendon | Direct trauma onto the muscle (e.g. contusions, compartment syndrome, etc.) | |
| Sudden and unexpected movements - especially during forceful activities (e.g. deadlifts, sprinting, etc.) | Symptoms and pain that build up over time (e.g. compartment syndrome, referred pain, etc.) | |
| Symptoms | Presence or absence of swelling and bruising. Depends on the type of tendon injury sustained | Bruising and swelling can occur in injuries, such as strain and contusion injuries. However, they may be absent in other types of injuries, such as referred pain |
| No movement in the muscle if the tendon has ruptured | Feeling of weakness through the muscle during movement | |
| Pain in the muscle during movement |
Additionally, the pain or injury location can also be a telltale sign that helps distinguish between the two. Tendons are usually located near the joint, close to the muscle attachment. One point of difference is that tendon pain is generally specific and can be identified with the tip of the finger. Pain from muscle injuries occurs at the ‘meatier’ parts of the body between joints and more difficult to identify the specific location
There are several options when it comes to diagnosing tendon and ligament injuries. The most common approach is to be assessed by a qualified physiotherapist.
If you are suffering from any pain or injury, it is essential to get help early to avoid further problems.
A period of rest or reduced activity to encourage a quicker recovery.
Within the first 24-48 hours, apply ice to help manage pain and/or swelling.
Using compression (e.g., stockings, Tubigrip, etc.) to provide support and manage swelling around the injured region.
Initially, severe muscle or tendon injuries (e.g., ruptures, etc.) should be protected with bracing, crutches and/or immobilisation. Professional medical advice should be sought before application.
Mild or moderate injuries (e.g., tendinopathy, grade I strain, etc.) should begin to load and move gradually. Prolonged rest can lead to slower healing and deconditioning.
Despite their close relations, muscles and tendons have different roles and functions. As a result, the causes of injuries to both these structures are not similar. Recovery time and the appropriate treatment will be determined on the basis of the type of injury and the severity.
A qualified physiotherapist should be consulted as soon as possible to ensure a safe return to activity.
