Tendonitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

What is tendonitis?

Tendonitis, also known as tendinitis, is inflammation or irritation of a tendon. Tendons are thick, fibrous cords of connective tissue that connects the muscle to the bone, allowing you to move.

Tendonitis can affect any tendon but is most frequent in the elbows, shoulders, knees, wrists, and heels. This condition causes discomfort and tenderness in the affected area, which typically worsens with movement.

Causes of tendonitis

Tendonitis can be caused by various factors, common causes of tendonitis are:

• Repetitive activities:

  • Repetitive movements in the joints, such as running (runner's knee), gardening, or playing tennis (tennis elbow), can overwork tendons and cause tendonitis.

• Age:

  • As the body ages, tendons become less flexible, making them more prone to injury, especially in older adults.

• Trauma:

  • A blunt trauma to the joint, such as falling during exercise or when outstretching your hand, could cause tendon inflammation or rupture.

• Poor posture:

  • Poor posture during strenuous exercise or walking can add extra stress to tendons, which may lead to tendonitis.

• Medical conditions:

  • Some health conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and gout can increase the likelihood of developing tendonitis.

Common types of tendonitis

Tendons support both muscles and bones during movement. Thus, significant amounts of stress are exerted on the tendons. Because of this, tendonitis often occurs in areas with frequent movement, such as the arms and legs.

Common ligaments susceptible to tendonitis include:

1. Achilles tendonitis

   • Achilles tendonitis often occurs in runners or those who wear inappropriate footwear with insufficient arch support and cushioning. This leads to an excessive strain on the Achilles tendon. 

2. Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)

   • Repetitive wrist or arm motions while playing tennis or painting could cause the lateral epicondylitis to become inflamed, leading to tendonitis. 

3. Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)

   • Similar to lateral epicondylitis, repetitive motion using the elbow could damage this tendon, which is located inside the elbow. 

4. Rotator cuff tendonitis

   • Intense overhead movements, such as smashing in badminton or throwing a ball in baseball, can cause the rotator cuff tendon to swell.

5. Patellar tendonitis (jumper’s knee)

   • Vigorous jumping activities can strain the patellar tendon, leading to tendonitis. 

Symptoms of tendonitis

The symptoms of tendonitis vary depending on the location and severity of the injury. Here are some common symptoms of tendonitis, including:

• Pain: 

  • A dull ache, particularly when moving the affected limb or joint.

• Tenderness: 

  • Pressing on the area near the injured tendon causes pain.

• Swelling: 

  • Inflammation and potential redness in the affected area.

• Stiffness: 

  • Limited range of motion in the affected area.

• Warmth: 

  • The skin over the tendon may feel warm to the touch.

Experiencing the above symptoms and thinking you have tendonitis? Request an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical for an accurate diagnosis and a personalised treatment plan.

How is tendonitis diagnosed?

To diagnose tendonitis, your doctor will begin by discussing your symptoms and any challenges you've had with moving the affected joint. They may then review your medical history and conduct a physical examination of the joint to assess its stability and range of motion.

In addition to that, to get a better diagnosis, healthcare professionals can perform imaging tests like X-rays to check for fractures and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to assess soft tissue around the affected joints.

Treatment options for tendonitis

The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Treatment options may vary depending on the severity of the condition.

Available treatments for tendonitis are:

• Rest and activity modification:

  • Reducing or stopping the activity that caused the tendonitis gives the tendon time to heal.

• Ice therapy:

  • Applying ice to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce inflammation and pain.

• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):

  • Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or aspirin can reduce pain and inflammation.

• Physical therapy:

  • A physical therapist can design specific exercises to strengthen and stretch the muscles and tendons in the affected area.

• Corticosteroid injections:

  • In more severe cases, a doctor may inject corticosteroids directly into the affected tendon to reduce inflammation.

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy:

  • PRP therapy involves injecting a concentration of the patient’s own platelets into the affected tendon to promote healing.

• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT):

  • A non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate tendon healing, often used for chronic tendonitis cases.

• Surgery:

  • In rare cases where conservative treatments fail, surgery may be necessary to repair a torn or severely damaged tendon.

However, if your condition worsens with persistent swelling and discomfort after non-surgical treatment, you should consult a doctor. Request for an appointment with our specialists at Thomson Medical.

How to prevent tendonitis

Tendonitis is not entirely preventable, especially if it stems from a health condition or an activity you cannot avoid. However, there are a few preventative actions that one can take to reduce your chances of developing tendonitis.

• Warm up: 

  • Before engaging in any physical activities that require intense movements, such as sports, warm up to prepare your muscles and tendons.

• Gradual progression: 

  • When lifting weights or exercising, increase the intensity gradually to allow your tendons to adjust to the pressure.

• Proper technique: 

  • To minimise strain on tendons, use correct posture and techniques during physical activities. You could also consider getting professional help when starting a new sport or using exercise equipment.

• Take breaks: 

  • When performing repetitive movements for extended periods, remember to take breaks.

• Strengthen muscles: 

  • Increasing the strength of the muscles frequently used in your sport or activity can help them handle the additional weight.

Complications of tendonitis

Left untreated, tendonitis can lead to chronic tendon damage, known as tendinosis, which may result in reduced strength, chronic pain, and tendon degeneration. It can also increase the risk of tendon rupture, which often requires medical intervention.

FAQ

Can tendonitis go away?

Mild cases of tendonitis may go away on its own with rest and self-care. However, persistent or severe cases may require medical treatment to prevent complications.

Is stretching good for tendonitis?

While stretching is crucial in preventing tendonitis, applying it to an injured tendon can have detrimental effects. Stretching exerts additional strain on the tendon, potentially worsening inflammation and injury to the tendon.

What are the 4 symptoms of tendonitis?

Tendonitis symptoms can vary depending on the location and severity of the injury, which include:

• Pain

• Tenderness

• Swelling

• Stiffness

What is the difference between arthritis and tendonitis?

Arthritis refers to inflammation in one or more joints, while tendonitis refers to inflammation of the tendon.

Proper treatment, early diagnosis, and lifestyle adjustments can effectively manage tendonitis. If you suspect you have tendonitis, seek medical advice to prevent complications and ensure proper healing.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Book an appointment with Thomson Medical today.