Tendonitis
Tendonitis is irritation or inflammation of a tendon, the strong band of tissue that connects muscle to bone. It often develops from repetitive activity, overuse or sudden strain and can cause localized pain, tenderness and difficulty moving the affected joint comfortably.
What Is Tendonitis?
Tendons transfer force from muscles to bones, allowing joints to move. Repetitive loading, sudden increases in activity or acute injury can irritate these tissues. Tendon pain most often develops around joints that are repeatedly stressed during work, exercise or sports.
Often Related to Repetitive Stress
Repeating the same movement can place more stress on a tendon than it can recover from between activities. Over time, pain may become more persistent and begin interfering with work, exercise, sleep or routine movement.
Where Tendon Problems Commonly Develop
Tendonitis can affect many parts of the body, but certain tendons are especially susceptible to repetitive stress and overuse.
Achilles Tendon
Achilles tendon pain develops between the calf and heel and is common in runners and athletes who repeatedly load the lower leg.
Rotator Cuff Tendons
Tendons in the shoulder, including the supraspinatus, may become irritated with repetitive reaching or overhead activity and can cause pain when lifting the arm.
Elbow Tendons
Repetitive gripping, lifting or wrist movement can irritate tendons around the elbow and contribute to conditions commonly called tennis elbow or golfer's elbow.
Wrist & Hand Tendons
Repetitive hand and thumb activity can irritate tendons around the wrist, leading to pain during gripping, lifting or fine movements.
How Tendonitis May Feel
Symptoms often develop around the affected joint and become more noticeable during movements that place tension on the irritated tendon.
Common Symptoms May Include:
Why Does Tendonitis Develop?
Tendons can become painful when repeated loading or sudden stress exceeds the tissue's ability to recover.
Repetitive Motion
Repeating the same movement at work, during sports or while exercising can gradually irritate and overload a tendon.
Sudden Increase in Activity
Rapidly increasing workout intensity, mileage, lifting volume or repetitive tasks can place more stress on tendons than they are prepared to tolerate.
Age-Related Changes
Tendons can become less flexible and more susceptible to degeneration and injury as people age.
Medical Conditions
Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and certain other medical conditions may increase the likelihood of tendon problems.
Small Changes Can Help Prevent Repeated Irritation
Many tendon problems are related to how quickly and repeatedly a tendon is loaded. Improving mechanics and recovery can reduce stress on vulnerable tissues.
Warm Up Gradually
A progressive warm-up prepares muscles and tendons for higher loads before exercise or strenuous activity.
Use Proper Technique
Good lifting, running and movement mechanics can reduce unnecessary stress on joints and tendons.
Increase Activity Slowly
Gradual progression gives tendon tissue time to adapt to greater levels of exercise, resistance or repetitive work.
Allow Recovery
Rest periods and variation in repetitive tasks can help prevent continued irritation from becoming a chronic tendon problem.
How Tendonitis Is Diagnosed
Many tendon conditions can be identified through a detailed history and physical examination, with imaging used when more information is needed.
Your provider will review recent activity, injuries, repetitive movements and when the symptoms began.
Tenderness, strength, range of motion and movements that reproduce the patient's pain may be evaluated.
These imaging studies may help evaluate tendon thickening, degeneration, partial tears or surrounding inflammation.
X-rays do not show tendons well but may help identify calcification, arthritis or other bone-related causes of pain.
Treating Tendonitis
Treatment is designed to reduce painful tendon loading while gradually restoring strength and function.
Activity Modification
Temporarily reducing or modifying activities that repeatedly aggravate the tendon can allow symptoms to settle while healing begins.
Physical Therapy
Progressive stretching and strengthening can improve tendon capacity, joint mechanics and resistance to future injury.
Pain & Inflammation Control
Ice, heat and anti-inflammatory or other pain medications may be recommended when appropriate based on the type and stage of the tendon problem.
Advanced Treatment
Depending on the tendon involved and severity of the condition, options such as extracorporeal shock wave therapy or other targeted treatments may be considered.
A Sudden Pop or Loss of Strength May Mean More Than Tendonitis.
Tendon irritation usually develops gradually, but a tendon can also partially or completely rupture. Sudden severe pain, a popping sensation, visible deformity or an abrupt inability to use the affected joint should be evaluated promptly to determine whether a tendon tear has occurred.
Is Tendon Pain Interfering With Daily Activity?
Schedule a consultation to determine the source of your pain and discuss treatment options designed to restore movement, strength and function.