Tendinitis, also known as tendonitis, is the inflammation of a tendon. It usually occurs when a person overuses or injures a tendon during physical activity.
Tendons are cable-like tissues that connect muscles to bones. Although one of their functions is to take some of the strain off the muscles, too much activity can injure them.
Repetitive, overly strenuous exercise can cause tendon inflammation. This inflammation can occur anywhere in the body, including the elbows, ankles, or knees. The affected body part may give the injury its name, such as Achilles tendinitis.
People can manage most cases of tendinitis with rest, ice, and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers.
Read more to learn about the different types of tendinitis, its causes, treatment options, and more.
Tendons are bands of collagen fibers that attach muscles to bones. They are flexible yet tough so that they can stretch and withstand tension.
Both tendons and muscles work together to enable joints and limbs to move. Usually, tendons are resilient and can relieve some of the stress on muscles. However, if put under too much strain, they
Tendinitis can affect any tendon in the body, but the following types are particularly common.
Achilles tendinitis
The Achilles tendon is a thick band of tissue attaching the heel to the calf muscle. This tendon helps a person walk, run, and jump and endures a great deal of stress.
Achilles tendinitis is a common condition. It usually occurs due to general overuse or increased exercise intensity rather than from one specific injury. Having tight calf muscles may also contribute to Achilles tendinitis.
For some, the cause is an enlargement of bone in the heel, known as Haglund’s deformity.
Supraspinatus tendinitis
Some people may find lying on the affected shoulder uncomfortable at night. If other tendons in the same area are also injured, the person
Tennis or golfer’s elbow
Lateral epicondylitis, often known as tennis elbow, causes pain when someone bends their wrist outward (extension). This pain may radiate down toward the wrist.
Medial epicondylitis, or golfer’s elbow, causes pain when bending the wrist toward the inside (flexion). The pain is more acute when trying to lift against a force.
de Quervain’s stenosing tenosynovitis
De Quervain’s tenosynovitis occurs due to inflammation of the sheath surrounding the tendons between the thumb and wrist. The tendon sheath thickens and swells, making it painful to move the thumb.
Trigger finger or thumb
Trigger finger causes finger clicks when a person straightens their finger. The finger stays in a bent position due to the thickening and inflammation of the tendon sheath in the palm. This restricts the tendon’s movement, meaning it cannot move smoothly.
Tendinitis of the wrist
Wrist tendinitis can affect anyone who repeatedly performs the same wrist movements. It is common in people who frequently type, write, and play sports such as tennis.
Although tendinitis symptoms can vary, they often include:
- pain in the affected tendon
- tenderness and pain
when movingTrusted Source the joint - a catching or grating sensation
- swelling
If the pain suddenly worsens or it becomes impossible to move a joint, a person should seek medical attention.
Both repeated minor injuries and sudden acute injuries can cause tendinitis.
Causes
Tendinitis is often the result of repeated stress or overuse, which
- making repetitive motions, such as typing for long periods
- playing the same sport year-round
- excessive exercise
- increasing the intensity of exercise too quickly
Risk factors
Some people are more likely to get tendinitis than others. Risk factors include:
- Older age: Tendons become stiffer as a person ages, making them more susceptible to injury.
- Profession: If a person’s job involves repetitive movements, they are at a higher risk of overuse injuries.
- Sports: Sports such as running, tennis, and golf involve repetitive motions, which can lead to tendinitis.
- Some health conditions: People with diabetes are more likely to get tendinitis.
- Some medications: Statins, corticosteroids, and a specific class of antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones, also raise the risk of tendinitis.
A healthcare professional will ask about symptoms and carry out a physical examination.
They may gently move the affected tendon to identify tenderness and a creaking sound. These symptoms often occur when the tendon sheath becomes thick and inflamed.
Typically, doctors recommend rest, ice, and OTC pain relievers.
Rarely, if symptoms do not improve, a doctor may recommend additional tests. An X-ray can show calcium deposits around the tendon, which may confirm a diagnosis. Other imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI scans may reveal swelling of the tendon sheath.
Treatment for tendinitis aims to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. A doctor may recommend:
Rest
Tendinitis is an overuse injury. Resting the affected tendon allows the inflammation to reduce. If the tendinitis is due to a sport or specific repetitive motion, the person should try to avoid this activity.
A bandage, splint, or brace may help reduce movement.
Hot and cold therapy
An ice pack can decrease swelling in the affected area. Applying ice for 10 to 15 minutes once or twice per day may reduce inflammation and pain. A person should always wrap ice in a towel to avoid direct contact with the skin.
Some people also find it helpful to alternate heat and ice. They can use hot towels, warm compresses, or take a warm bath.
Ice is usually best for injuries that occurred within the last 48 hours. After this, heat may be a better option.
Pain relief
Several medications can reduce pain, including:
- OTC medications: Ibuprofen and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce inflammation and tendon pain.
- Corticosteroid injections: Doctors may recommend corticosteroid injections around the tendon if inflammation and pain are severe.
- Physical therapy: Manipulating and massaging the affected area may provide relief and accelerate healing.
- Stretching and exercise: A physical therapist may recommend specific exercises to stretch and strengthen the affected tendon and muscle.
Shock wave therapy or surgery
If tendinitis persists and calcium deposits are present around the tendon, a doctor may suggest
Sometimes, doctors misdiagnose tendinitis as tendinosis, a chronic condition that causes the tendons to break down over time.
The damaged or disorganized collagen fibers harden and develop scar tissue, which can reduce mobility.
Although it has similar symptoms to tendinitis, doctors consider tendinosis a more serious condition. It causes long-term tendon damage and is more challenging to treat.
Tendinitis is a common condition that can be difficult to prevent. While avoiding overuse can reduce a person’s chance of getting tendinitis, this can be challenging if they have an occupation requiring repetitive movement.
However, people can lower the risk of getting tendinitis by:
- warming up before exercising
- building up an activity’s intensity gradually
- engaging in sports regularly, rather than only on weekends
- using proper form when exercising
- ensuring shoes and gear fit appropriately
- stopping if a movement causes pain
- strengthening the surrounding muscles, which can reduce the strain on tendons
- avoiding repetitive activities where possible
- taking frequent breaks from repetitive activities
Tendinitis is a common overuse injury that causes inflammation of a tendon. People who play sports or work in jobs that involve repetitive motions are at an increased risk of tendinitis.
Most people can treat the condition with rest and OTC pain medication. Sometimes, a doctor will prescribe additional treatments and therapies to support healing.
