What is tendonitis?
Tendonitis, also called tendinitis, is when a tendon becomes inflamed, often from overuse or injury when moving your body. Tendons are strong, flexible tissues that connect muscles to bones, helping you move. Every time you swing a tennis racket, grab a cup of coffee, go for a run or squat to reach a low cabinet, your tendons are working to make those movements possible.
Your body has around 4,000 tendons. While tendons support your movement, too much strain or repetitive activity can cause them to become inflamed or injured. Tendonitis can happen in different areas of your body, like the heel, shoulder, elbow, ankles or knees.
Types of tendonitis
Tendonitis types are often named after the sport or the area of the body where the injury occurs. Some of the most common types of tendonitis include:
- Achilles tendonitis
- Biceps tendonitis
- DeQuervain's tenosynovitis
- Golfer’s elbow
- Jumper’s knee
- Pitcher’s shoulder
- Runner’s knee
- Swimmer’s shoulder
- Tennis elbow
- Trigger finger
Tendonitis symptoms
The most common symptoms of tendonitis include:
- Pain at the site of the tendon and the surrounding area, which may worsen with movement
- Stiffness or difficulty moving the affected joint
- A cracking or popping sensation that you may hear or feel when moving
- Swelling, often accompanied by skin discoloration (red, purple or darker than your natural skin tone)
When to see a doctor
See your primary care provider if symptoms of tendonitis affect your ability to function normally or prevent you from participating in your favorite activities. Your provider may be able to diagnose tendon inflammation and recommend treatment. On the other hand, they may refer you to an orthopedic surgeon for more specialized care, especially if you’ve been dealing with symptoms for a long time.
You should also see a doctor if your symptoms worsen after a few days of at-home care. If, for example, you develop a fever or can’t move your affected arm or leg, seek medical help as soon as possible.
What causes tendonitis?
In most cases, tendonitis develops due to overuse and repetitive motion. If you play tennis, for example, swinging a racket again and again, day after day, can irritate your elbow tendons and cause tendonitis. You can also develop tendonitis if your job calls for performing the same movements over and over. Painters, for example, tend to be at higher risk for tendonitis.
Less commonly, you may develop tendonitis due to an injury or by stretching a tendon too far during a sudden movement. Tendon inflammation may also occur due to a condition that can increase the risk of inflammation, such as diabetes or osteoarthritis.
Tendonitis risk factors
The most common cause of tendonitis is repetitive motion. Tendons allow you to perform the same movement repeatedly, and tendinitis can develop if you frequently repeat the same motion during sports or work. The risk is higher if the motion is done incorrectly.
Tendinitis can also be caused by:
Complications
Tendonitis can be inconvenient in the short term, especially if you have to take time away from sports or other activities to allow the tendon to heal. Ignoring the condition, though, may allow it to become a long-term problem. Without treatment, symptoms may become persistent, and the tendon could degenerate. Inflammation may strain the tendon until it tears.
Complications of untreated tendonitis can include:
- Chronic discomfort: Persistent inflammation can cause low-level pain whenever you move.
- Muscle weakness: The muscles near the tendon may grow weaker and affect joint functioning.
- Reduced functioning: Moving the affected joint may become more difficult as tendon inflammation persists.
- Tendon rupture: Unchecked irritation of the tendon may eventually cause it to rupture, or tear.
How is tendonitis diagnosed?
To diagnose tendonitis, your physician will gather information about your symptoms and examine the affected area to look for signs of an inflamed tendon. A medical history and exam can provide valuable information. To confirm the diagnosis, though, the physician will order imaging tests to check the condition of your tendons.
Tendonitis treatment
The main goals of treating tendinitis are to ease discomfort and reduce swelling. In most cases, self-care like rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers can help. However, it may take several months to recover fully.
Locations
We offer several locations for your care, including orthopedic specialty centers in North and Central Texas.
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