A health condition in which connective tissues between the bones and muscles (tendons) become inflamed is called tendonitis. Usually, people develop this condition due to repetitive movements. In some cases, tendonitis can be very painful and often occurs in the elbow, knee, shoulder, hip, Achilles tendon, and the base of the thumb. In most cases, people recover with rest and by avoiding heavy exercise.
In general, strands of connective tissues that connect muscles with bones and are involved in movement are called tendons. People who develop this condition usually experience pain and soreness around the negatively affected joint. Furthermore, this condition can be short-term (acute) or long-term (chronic).
Tendonitis Types
The name of each type of tendonitis comes from the part of the body where the injury happens. Check the most common types of this health condition below:
- Golfer’s elbow
- Tennis elbow
- Pitcher’s shoulder
- Swimmer’s shoulder
- Runner’s knee (also known as jumper’s knee)
This is a common condition because people frequently engage in activities that may lead to overuse or injuries of the tendons.
Symptoms
While people may experience different symptoms, check below for the most common symptoms of tendonitis:
- Joint stiffness
- Swelling or skin discoloration
- Hear or feel a popping or cracking sound during movement
- Pain that worsens when you move
People with tendonitis may experience that the pain is gradual and mild or sudden and severe, especially if they have Calcium deposits. These deposits are a buildup of Calcium in the tissues.
However, tendonitis may happen in roughly any area of the body that connects bones to muscles. Check the most common places where tendonitis occurs:
- Base of the thumb
- Elbows
- Shoulder
- Hip
- Knee (in most cases, it affects the kneecap, where it is attached to the lower leg)
- Achilles tendon (this tendon connects the heel bone to the calf muscle)
Causes
Usually, people develop this condition due to repetitive movements, strain from sudden movements, or injuries. In some cases, you may develop tendonitis as an adverse reaction to a medicine (such as statins, Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, and others). Furthermore, this health condition may also occur due to other diseases. These include:
- Infections
- Osteoarthritis
- Gout/pseudo gout
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Diabetes
Risk Factors
Doctors have identified some factors that may elevate your risk of developing tendonitis. Usually, people who participate in activities that involve repetitive movements develop tendonitis. Check some examples below:
- Shoveling
- Painting
- Scrubbing
- Sports (including tennis, golf, or baseball)
- Woodworking
- Gardening or landscaping
However, there are other factors that could also increase the risk of developing this condition. For example:
- Poor posture
- Certain health conditions that weaken the muscles
- Age – Commonly, tendons tolerate less stress with aging. As a result, they become less elastic and more prone to tear.
What Are The Potential Complications of Tendonitis?
Those who ignore the symptoms and do not treat this condition may experience some complications. Check below some examples:
- Chronic tendonitis (persistent dull pain, especially during movement)
- Movement problems in the affected part of the body
- Tendon rupture (also known as torn tendons)
- Muscle weakness
- Tendinosis (tendon degeneration)
- Adhesions and scar tissue
- Joint damage
This document does not contain a complete list of complications. However, you can talk with your healthcare professional about ways to reduce the risk or prevent complications of tendonitis.
How to Prevent Tendonitis?
There are some tips that may help reduce the risk or even prevent tendonitis. Examples include:
- Do not stay in the same position for long periods
- Try to learn proper posture and the body positions involved in different activities
- It is not recommended to lift heavy objects using only one hand
- You should not sit with your legs folded under your bottom
- If you feel pain during an activity, you should stop it right away
Diagnosis
Usually, doctors begin the diagnosis of tendonitis with a physical examination to check for abnormalities linked to the disease, an evaluation of your medical history, and questions about the symptoms. However, doctors may perform some tests to confirm the condition and rule out others that cause similar symptoms. These include:
- X-ray
- MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans
- CT (computed tomography) scans
Treatment
In general, this condition is treated in two steps. Check below what includes the first step of the treatment:
- Applying ice to the affected area
- Stopping any activities that cause symptoms
- Rest
- Over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medicines
Physicians may prescribe additional treatment when tendonitis does not improve within 3 weeks. For example:
- Corticosteroid injections – These medicines help quickly reduce the inflammation and pain.
- Physical therapy – This treatment involves multiple exercises that help relieve inflammation and improve soft tissue mobility in the muscle.
- Surgery – This procedure is rarely recommended by doctors for people with tendonitis. It is often prescribed when a person with this condition experiences severe symptoms that do not improve with other treatments.
Additionally, previous treatments may cause some adverse reactions. For example:
- Pain at the injection site
- Soreness after physical therapy
- Bleeding or infections after surgery
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does tendonitis take to heal?
While some people recover within 3 weeks, sometimes, it may take up to several months, especially in severe cases. One of the most effective ways to improve recovery time is rest. Avoid strenuous exercises or activities that put extra pressure on healing tendons. Usually, doctors tell people with tendonitis when they can return to activities and sports.
How can I lower my risk of tendonitis?
- Gradually increase activity level
- Interrupt activities when you feel pain
- You should wear fitted and properly sized shoes, clothes, and equipment
- Stretch and warm up before beginning the activity
When should I see a healthcare provider?
If you experience any of the following symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare professional. For example:
- General illness
- Severe pain
- Inability to move the affected area
- Swelling, redness, and warmth
- Fever (more than 100 degrees F or 38 degrees C)
What happens if you ignore tendonitis?
People who ignore the symptoms of this condition may experience some complications. These include chronic pain, increased risk of rupture, reduced mobility, and permanent damage (rarely). Ask your healthcare professional if you have additional questions.
