The human musculoskeletal system is made up of muscles, connective tissues, nerves, bones, and joints. Tendons play an essential role in allowing bones and muscles to move, as they connect the two. When these tendons become inflamed, it can cause pain and discomfort. This inflammation is known as tendinitis.

What Is Tendinitis?

Tendinitis refers to the inflammation of the tendons, the thick tissues that link muscles to bones. This condition is often caused by repetitive movements, such as those found in gardening, painting, or sports like tennis, golf, and baseball. Tendinitis can either be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term).

This type of inflammation can occur in any muscle, but it is most commonly seen at the base of the thumb, elbow, shoulder, hip, knee, and Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone.

While tendinitis generally improves on its own, severe cases may require surgery as recommended by a doctor.

Symptoms of Tendinitis

Symptoms of tendinitis may last for days or even weeks. Some common signs include:

• Pain around the affected tendon

• Difficulty moving the associated muscle

• Redness, swelling, and heat around the inflamed area

• Muscle pain and discomfort

The inflamed tendon area becomes more sensitive, making movement difficult. In more severe cases, joint movement may become limited, accompanied by pain. Tendinitis symptoms can also be identified by the following specific conditions:

Rotator cuff tendonitis: Also referred to as shoulder bursitis, this causes pain and swelling in the shoulder area’s tendons. The pain can radiate up the upper arm toward the chest and is typically worse at night.

Tennis elbow: Pain and tenderness are felt on the outer side of the elbow, front of the arm, and back of the hand. This pain tends to worsen with swinging or twisting motions of the arm.

Golfer's elbow: This occurs when the forearm muscles’ tendons attach to the inner side of the elbow. The pain can radiate down to the forearm and wrist. Despite the name, golfer’s elbow is not exclusive to golfers.

Jumper’s knee: This pain is felt above or below the knee, typically due to repetitive knee movements like jumping or running.

Achilles tendonitis: This condition starts as a mild ache at the back of the leg or just above the heel, often triggered after running or climbing.

Causes of Tendinitis

Tendinitis is typically caused by repetitive motions during everyday activities. Repeated movements put stress on the tendons, leading to inflammation.

For those who enjoy activities like sports or other repetitive tasks, it's essential to warm up before engaging in these activities and to perform movements with the correct technique. Proper technique can help prevent tendon stress and stiffness.

Other risk factors for tendinitis include aging, previous muscle injuries, and engaging in strenuous activities.

Tendinitis Treatment

When you experience tendon pain, your doctor will conduct a physical examination of the inflamed tendon, checking for signs of swelling and redness. You may also be asked to rotate your arm, move your hand, or raise your arm to pinpoint the source of the pain and determine the necessary treatment.

In some cases, a blood test may be recommended to check for high uric acid levels or rheumatoid arthritis.

For mild tendinitis, treatments may include anti-inflammatory medications, either topical or oral, and physical therapy. However, in severe cases, the doctor might suggest surgery.

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