Learn About Tendinitis
Tendons are the fibrous structures that join muscles to bones. When these tendons become swollen or inflamed, it is called tendinitis. In many cases, tendinosis (tendon degeneration) is also present.
Calcific tendinitis; Bicipital tendinitis; Achilles tendinitis; Rotator cuff tendinitis; Patellar tendinitis
Tendinitis can occur as a result of injury or overuse. Playing sports is a common cause. Tendinitis also can occur with aging as the tendon loses elasticity. Body-wide (systemic) diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, can also lead to tendinitis.
Tendinitis can occur in any tendon. Commonly affected sites include the:
- Elbow
- Heel (Achilles tendinitis)
- Knee
- Shoulder
- Thumb
- Wrist
Symptoms of tendinitis may vary with activity or cause. Main symptoms may include:
- Pain and tenderness along a tendon, usually near a joint
- Pain at night
- Pain that is worse with movement or activity
- Stiffness in the morning
The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
Your provider will recommend resting the affected tendon to help it recover. This may be done using a splint or a removable brace. Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help.
Over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen, can also reduce both pain and inflammation. Steroid injections into the tendon sheath can also be very useful for controlling pain.
Your provider may also suggest physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscle and tendon. This can restore the tendon's ability to function properly, improve healing, and prevent future injury.
In rare cases, surgery is needed to remove the inflamed tissue from around the tendon.
Essential Sports + Spine Solutions
Nikhil Verma is a Physiatrist and a Pain Medicine provider in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Verma and is rated as an Elite provider by MediFind in the treatment of Tendinitis. His top areas of expertise are Tendinitis, Hypermobile Joints, Acute Pain, Shoulder Arthroscopy, and Tenotomy. Dr. Verma is currently accepting new patients.
Iain Mcinnes practices in Glasgow, United Kingdom. Mr. Mcinnes and is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Tendinitis. His top areas of expertise are Psoriatic Arthritis, Arthritis, Psoriasis, and Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA).
Tidewater Orthopaedic Associates Inc.
Loel Payne is an Orthopedics provider in Hampton, Virginia. Dr. Payne and is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Tendinitis. His top areas of expertise are Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Tendinitis, Knee Replacement, and Shoulder Arthroscopy. Dr. Payne is currently accepting new patients.
Symptoms improve with treatment and rest. If the injury is caused by overuse, a change in work habits may be needed to prevent the problem from coming back.
Complications of tendinitis may include:
- Long-term inflammation raises the risk for further injury, such as rupture
- Return of tendinitis symptoms
Contact your provider if symptoms of tendinitis occur.
Tendinitis can be prevented by:
- Avoiding repetitive motions and overuse of the arms and legs.
- Keeping all your muscles strong and flexible.
- Doing warm up exercises at a relaxed pace before vigorous activity.
Summary: Our study aims to investigate the effects of neural mobilization exercises on central sensitization and pain characteristics in individuals with lateral epicondylitis. Enrolled participants will be randomly assigned to two groups. One group will receive routine exercises and ESWT treatment, while the other group will receive neural mobilization exercises in addition to routine exercises and ESWT t...
Summary: This study was planned to analyze the changes in tendon cross-sectional area and shoulder pain with different exercise approaches applied in biceps brachii long head tendinopathy.
Published Date: July 23, 2024
Published By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Biundo JJ, Canoso JJ. Bursitis, tendinitis, and other periarticular disorders and sports medicine. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 242.
Geiderman JM, Torbati S. General principles of orthopedic injuries. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 41.