Generalized Tendon Pain/Problems

Bigger Stronger Leaner Over 35 Lifter
1

T-Nation universe…

Here is a good question

Ive been at this game for over 12 years seriously - made very good gains and at just shy of 50 - Im starting to get into some annual problem patches which have started recently

I would get a solid 4 months of heavy training under me and then start to get foot and hand tendon pain, and tightening. It seriously impacts my lifts - I almost feel like if I kept going heavy I would tear something from a bone.

This usually cues me to go lighter and lean out a bit. But its only happened the last 3 years and gets worse in intensity each year

Any idea what Im dealing with ?

Of course checking with my peers and my doc the general consensus from them is I have O.L.D. and it is terminal.

But seriously - I can work around it - but I cannot seem to find a name or problem to label it with -

Anyone have similar experiences and have any suggestions ?

Yours in all things heavy - Met

2

I am not a doctor, but it sounds like my problems. I now have inflammation in the tendons of my elbow (golf-arm) and just below the kneecap. My therapist advises me to use NSAIDs, RICE and treated me with cross-friction massage on the elbow. Last time he tried dry-needling to relieve some pressure.
When the pain stops and can begin training again, according to the therapist, I should very gradually increase my training weights.

Here on T-Nation Peter Blanchonette wrote about it: Strength Training, Bodybuilding & Online Supplement Store - T NATION
I also heard some good things about ‘Cissus Quadrangularis’ although it does not do jack for some people other people are true believers in the stuff.

I am now going to try cissus and cardio (interval, steady-state, complexes) to increase the blood flow and healing in the tendons as much as possible. It is experimental, but it might help. I hoping it will help.

Oh yeah, for the O.L.D. syndrome: They might have a point (see article), then again, I am 25…

Hope this helps and good luck!

3

Thanks - You know, I cruised through that article and it didnt click for me, but I will certainly try this approach as I restart in the next two weeks (Im taking some time out)

4

If I get tendon pain, it’s usually because I’ve pushed beyond my ability to recover. It shows up in my knees and hands mostly.

I’ve had to re-work my training such that I don’t get too much volume and take regular deloads which seems to mostly keep it at bay. It also occurs when I’m not eating enough for the amount of work I’m doing and generally shows up near the end of a heavy cycle where I’ve been pushing my assistance lifts “too hard.” It can happen when I pound down large amounts of carbs (as simple sugars) too and fades when I cut back on them a bit.

I’m about 3 years behind you.

5

DaCharmingAlbino - Bingo!

Its the same deal - I think I need to give it a rest, lighten up and get back up there again s l o w l y…

Thanks man

BTW - I am often told my my sometimes training partner, and my doctor - I train too hard, and dont give enough time to recover.

So this spring, Im lightening up and doing a nice 4 month progression 531 style.

6

As we get a little older, we need more time to recuperate. This is a good time of life to consider a little more endurence, ie reps.

Find a book at Barnes & Noble called “Younger Next year”. A real eye opener, and maybe not a lot of pain needed.

7

Many variables here too many things left unsaid for an accurate answer. With that said here goes:

Take more time off ie: break up training into 3 days a week with a TRUE DELOAD built in every 4 weeks.
Your programming should be in 12 week blocks atleast so you know what you are doing and where you are going.
Try a different program/rep scheme I mean if your doing the same thing for along time stuff starts to wear out get injured/damaged/hurt/etc…even transmissions/motors which are metal need to be maintained or they will break because it is not if but when…

  1. upp your rep ranges and lower volume.
    2.only go near failure 1 week out of 4.

Hope this helps on the training.

Up your fish oil alot. Get MSM and take upwards of 5000mg a day.

My questions to you are stats,training weights, how your program/diet is split up?

8

Ive had issues like you describe…I thought it was due to low cortisol levels which I have seen in my bloodwork time and time again…as well overtraining for many many years. And I have snapped tendons off bones and it aint fun…ive ripped muscles in half, had tendons pull chunks of bone off (evulsion), etc…

for me its overtraining for many years, old injuries, but the past few years for sure its some sort of blood chemistry and/or hormone issues I havent pinpointed yet.

I try all the foam rolling, THE STICK massage, active recovery, always dynamic warmups, flexibility work, deep tissue work, etc…but the times it was bad none of that did anything more than allowing me to keep training a little, but pretty much went right back to issues…after 3 months or so on HRT its getting much better, but I cant attribute it to anything specific.

Im on a 100 supplements now from the doctors as well so whether its supplements or hormones something has improved it…my tendons and joints felt like I played a football game most mornings and like I could snap something off the bone at anytime.

9

[quote]bluecollarjock wrote:
Ive had issues like you describe…I thought it was due to low cortisol levels which I have seen in my bloodwork time and time again…as well overtraining for many many years. And I have snapped tendons off bones and it aint fun…ive ripped muscles in half, had tendons pull chunks of bone off (evulsion), etc…

for me its overtraining for many years, old injuries, but the past few years for sure its some sort of blood chemistry and/or hormone issues I havent pinpointed yet.

I try all the foam rolling, THE STICK massage, active recovery, always dynamic warmups, flexibility work, deep tissue work, etc…but the times it was bad none of that did anything more than allowing me to keep training a little, but pretty much went right back to issues…after 3 months or so on HRT its getting much better, but I cant attribute it to anything specific.

Im on a 100 supplements now from the doctors as well so whether its supplements or hormones something has improved it…my tendons and joints felt like I played a football game most mornings and like I could snap something off the bone at anytime.[/quote]

Thats good news I guess if you are feeling better ?

As far as stats

46
175lbs
5’6"
BF 16 to 18 %

last PRs Bench 265x3 (could not push 315 due to shoulder pain…), dead 315, squat 315, military press 135

My back seems to be my strongest part - I can do wide pulls for sets of 15 x 5 no weights

Not a total wreck - but not liking the path Im heading down - Bench for example I have switched off of barbell flat bench now and use DB flat bench most of the time because it does not torque my shoulder joints - doc said I had an inflamed Gleno-Humoral joint.

Diet is setup for slow gain right now, switching to leaning out after mid Jan. I get my protein in (200gday half from real food)

Take my supps, aminos, etc

Also get most of my carbs in peri and post workout - then switch to slow burn carbs

Example training breakfast (before I go to gym) 4 eggs, 8 oz egg white, 4 oz sliced turkey - yum

10

Hey met,
Here is a link to the thread I opened up on this very subject not too long ago. It has been very helpful to me and I hope it is to you as well.

11

Yea Met its good that things are going in the right direction…slowly but surely…and of course you know how it is in this iron game, you always want it to happen faster…especially if its a place or condition your body was in once before, you want it back ASAP!

Dude, those are some good f–king numbers for your age and weight!

12

[quote]bluecollarjock wrote:
Yea Met its good that things are going in the right direction…slowly but surely…and of course you know how it is in this iron game, you always want it to happen faster…especially if its a place or condition your body was in once before, you want it back ASAP!

Dude, those are some good f–king numbers for your age and weight![/quote]

Hey thanks

With the folks I train with I have a way to go - but its all relative!

Im happy with them - and my back is solid - I can squat all day - no issues - Im lucky there.

Thanks all for the tips and encouragement!

Met