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Tendonitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention

A common condition known as tendonitis affects the thick cords that connect muscles to bones. Tendonitis causes pain, inflammation, and tenderness in the affected area, and can cause the joint to move in an unfavorable manner. There is a possibility that tendonitis will affect any part of the body, but the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels are the most common sites.

Causes of Tendonitis

It is most commonly caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the tendons, such as playing sports, working, or doing hobbies. The following activities can cause tendonitis:

• Tennis, golf, bowling, or baseball, which can cause tendonitis in the elbow or shoulder

• Running, jumping, or cycling, which can cause tendonitis in the knee or heel

• Typing, painting, or sewing, which can cause tendonitis in the wrist or hand

Other factors that can increase the risk of tendonitis are:

• Injury or trauma to the tendon

• Aging, which can make the tendons less flexible and more prone to injury

• Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, which can affect the blood supply or inflammation of the tendons

• Certain medications, such as antibiotics or steroids, which can weaken the tendons or increase the risk of rupture

Symptoms of Tendonitis

As a result of tendonitis, you may feel pain in the affected area, especially when you move the joint or use the muscle. The pain can be dull, sharp, or burning.

• Swelling, redness, or warmth in the affected area

• Difficulty moving the joint or performing daily activities

• A feeling of tightness or stiffness in the tendon or muscle

• A lump or bump in the tendon or muscle

Diagnosis of Tendonitis

You will be asked about your symptoms, medical history, and activities that may have aggravated or caused your tendonitis in order to diagnose it. In addition to examining the affected area, your doctor may order a few tests to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions, such as:

• X-rays, which can show the bones and joints and detect any fractures or arthritis

• Ultrasound, which can show the soft tissues and detect any swelling, tears, or calcification of the tendons

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can show the detailed images of the tendons, muscles, and ligaments and detect any inflammation, degeneration, or rupture of the tendons

Treatment of Tendonitis

Tendonitis is treated by reducing pain and inflammation, and promoting healing and recovery of the tendons. Treatment options for tendonitis depend on the severity and location of the problem.

• Rest, which means avoiding or limiting the activities that cause or worsen the pain and inflammation

• Ice, which means applying cold packs or ice to the affected area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day to reduce the swelling and pain

• Compression, which means wrapping the affected area with a bandage or a brace to provide support and reduce the movement of the joint

• Elevation, which means raising the affected area above the level of the heart to reduce the blood flow and swelling

• Medications, which may include over-the-counter or prescription anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to reduce the pain and inflammation, or corticosteroid injections, which can provide short-term relief for severe or chronic cases of tendonitis

• Physical therapy, which may include exercises, stretches, massage, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation, to improve the strength, flexibility, and function of the tendons and muscles

• Surgery, which may be needed for cases of tendonitis that do not respond to other treatments, or for cases of tendon rupture, which require repairing or reattaching the torn tendon

Prevention of Tendonitis

The best way to prevent tendonitis is to avoid or modify the activities that cause or worsen the condition. Some tips to prevent tendonitis are:

• Warm up before and cool down after exercising or doing physical activities

• Use proper equipment, such as shoes, gloves, or pads, that fit well and provide support and protection

• Use proper techniques, such as posture, form, or grip, that reduce the stress and strain on the tendons and joints

• Vary your activities, such as alternating between high-impact and low-impact exercises, or switching between different types of sports or hobbies

• Take breaks and rest your muscles and joints regularly, especially when you feel pain or fatigue

• Strengthen and stretch your muscles and tendons, especially the ones that are prone to tendonitis, such as the rotator cuff, the quadriceps, or the Achilles

• Maintain a healthy weight, which can reduce the pressure and load on the tendons and joints

If you perform repetitive or strenuous activities, you may suffer from tendonitis. By following the above tips, you can prevent, manage, and recover from tendonitis, and enjoy your activities without discomfort.