Pain is part of everyday life for elite athletes, and Jannik Sinner is no exception.
The world number one’s right knee problem appears to be linked to iliotibial band syndrome, a fairly common condition in sport.
Fabrizio Tencone, Director of the Isokinetic centre in Turin, sheds light on the issue in an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Tencone urges caution, stressing that without examining Sinner in person, it is only possible to make assumptions. However, one factor appears reassuring: the doctors’ decision to opt for conservative treatment without surgery. According to Tencone, if there had been any significant injuries, surgery would probably have been considered.
Chronic tendon problems are common among athletes and, in most cases, are treated without surgery. Pain itself is not necessarily a warning sign for a professional athlete. However, it becomes an issue when it affects performance, as may have happened in Sinner’s case. That is why the goal is to address the underlying cause before making a full return to competition.
If the inflammatory nature of the problem were confirmed, Tencone believes there would be no risk to the continuation of Sinner’s career. However, patience remains key, as tendons require longer recovery times than other tissues. At least twelve weeks of treatment and rehabilitation may be needed to achieve significant results.
In addition to time, restoring muscle strength plays a crucial role. Strengthening exercises can provide beneficial stimuli for tendon repair and function. Exercises can also be performed in the presence of moderate pain, with loads gradually increased over time. According to Tencone, exercise is now one of the most effective tools available for treating tendinopathies.
