Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

Tendinitis – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Tendinitis is an inflammation of a tendon, most commonly caused by overuse, leading to pain, swelling, and restricted movement.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "Tendinitis"

Tendinitis is an inflammation of a tendon, most commonly caused by overuse, leading to pain, swelling, and restricted movement.

What is Tendinitis?

Tendinitis refers to the inflammation of one or more tendons – the tough, fibrous cords of connective tissue that attach muscles to bones. It is a common musculoskeletal condition that can affect virtually any tendon in the body, but most often occurs in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, knee, and heel.

Causes

Tendinitis typically develops as a result of repetitive stress or acute overexertion of a tendon. The most common causes include:

Repetitive, uniform movements (e.g., during sports or occupational activities)
Sudden increases in training intensity or volume
Poor posture or incorrect movement technique
Age-related degeneration of tendon tissue
Underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or diabetes mellitus
Inadequate warm-up before physical activity

Symptoms

Symptoms usually develop gradually and may worsen without appropriate treatment. Common signs of tendinitis include:

Pain in the affected area, especially during movement or when pressure is applied
Swelling and redness around the affected tendon
Stiffness, particularly in the morning or after periods of rest
Warmth in the inflamed area
Reduced range of motion in the affected joint

Diagnosis

Tendinitis is primarily diagnosed through a thorough physical examination and a detailed medical history regarding the onset of pain and physical activities. Depending on severity, the following diagnostic tools may be used:

Ultrasound: Visualizes tendon changes and signs of inflammation
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed assessment of the tendon and surrounding tissue
X-ray: Used to rule out bone abnormalities
Blood tests: May be ordered if a systemic condition such as rheumatoid arthritis is suspected

Treatment

Conservative Treatment

Most cases of tendinitis respond well to conservative management strategies:

Rest and activity modification: Reducing load on the affected tendon
Ice therapy: Applying cold packs to relieve pain and reduce swelling
Physiotherapy: Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises to aid recovery
Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation
Corticosteroid injections: May be considered for persistent cases to reduce local inflammation

Surgical Treatment

If conservative treatment fails to provide sufficient relief after several months, surgical intervention may rarely be necessary to remove or repair damaged tendon tissue.

Prevention

The following measures can help prevent tendinitis:

Regular warm-up and stretching before physical activity
Gradual and progressive increases in training load
Ergonomic workplace design
Adequate recovery periods after intense physical exertion
Strengthening the muscles surrounding the affected tendons

References

Maffulli, N. et al. – Tendinopathy: an overview. In: Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 2003.
Khan, K. M. et al. – Time to abandon the tendinitis myth. In: BMJ, 2002; 324(7338): 626–627.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) – Tendinitis: Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines, 2021.

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.