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