Which term refers to a degeneration of a tendon?

Tendinosis specifically refers to the chronic degeneration of a tendon, which occurs due to repetitive stress or injury rather than inflammation. This condition typically involves structural changes in the tendon tissue, such as collagen disorganization and degeneration, which can manifest as pain and limited function without the presence of significant inflammation.

Understanding tendinosis is important in physical therapy as it affects the treatment approach, focusing on rehabilitation, strengthening, and addressing the bio-mechanics involved in the patient's activities. This condition tends to arise after prolonged use or overuse of the tendon, distinguishing it from tendinitis, which is more commonly characterized by tendon inflammation.

The other terms presented might sound similar but represent different aspects of tendon conditions. Tendinitis focuses on inflammation of the tendon, and tendinopathy is a more general term encompassing various tendon disorders, which can include both tendinitis and tendinosis. Tertiary care refers to specialized medical treatment, but it does not pertain to tendon degeneration. Thus, tendinosis is the most accurate term to describe the degeneration of a tendon.