Tendinitis is a common condition causing pain and inflammation in tendons – the strong, fibrous cords connecting muscles to bones. While often triggered by overuse, it can disrupt daily life, from simple movements to athletic performance. Fortunately, most cases respond well to conservative treatment, but understanding the causes, symptoms, and prevention strategies is crucial for effective management.
What Causes Tendinitis?
Tendons endure significant stress during movement. When repetitive strain, sudden overload, or age-related wear and tear create microscopic tears, the body responds with inflammation – leading to pain and swelling. Ignoring early symptoms can allow the condition to worsen, potentially progressing to chronic degeneration (tendinosis) or even tendon rupture.
Several factors increase the risk:
- Repetitive motions: Jobs or sports involving repeated movements (tennis, construction, gardening) are common triggers.
- Overuse: Rapidly increasing activity levels without adequate recovery can overwhelm tendons.
- Age: Tendons lose elasticity with age, making them more susceptible to injury.
- Health conditions: Diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and certain infections can contribute to tendinitis.
- Lifestyle factors: Smoking reduces oxygen delivery to tendons, while elevated cholesterol may increase injury risk.
Common Types of Tendinitis
Tendinitis often manifests in specific locations depending on the affected tendon:
- Achilles tendinitis: Pain at the back of the heel, common in runners.
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): Pain on the outer side of the elbow, frequently seen in racquet sports players.
- Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis): Pain on the inner side of the elbow.
- Rotator cuff tendinitis: Shoulder pain, often affecting athletes and those with overhead movements.
- Jumper’s knee (patellar tendinitis): Pain below the kneecap, common in jumping sports.
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis: Wrist pain on the thumb side.
Recognizing Symptoms
The hallmark of tendinitis is pain localized to the affected tendon, often worsening with movement. Other signs include:
- Tenderness when touched.
- Mild swelling or redness.
- A cracking or grating sensation during movement.
- Weakness or stiffness in the joint.
In rare cases, infectious tendinitis (e.g., from gonorrhea) may present with fever, rash, or discharge, requiring immediate medical attention.
Treatment and Recovery
Most tendinitis cases improve with conservative care:
- RICE protocol: Rest the affected area, apply ice, compress if needed, and elevate.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: NSAIDs like ibuprofen can reduce inflammation.
- Physical therapy: Strengthens muscles, improves flexibility, and restores range of motion.
- Corticosteroid injections: May provide short-term relief but are not a long-term solution.
Severe or persistent cases may require platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or, rarely, surgery.
Prevention is Key
Preventing tendinitis involves:
- Proper warm-up and cool-down: Prepares tendons for activity and aids recovery.
- Gradual progression: Avoid sudden increases in intensity or duration.
- Correct form: Proper technique reduces strain on tendons.
- Ergonomic adjustments: Optimize workspace to minimize repetitive stress.
- Healthy lifestyle: Maintain a healthy weight, avoid smoking, and eat an anti-inflammatory diet.
With proper management, most people recover from tendinitis within weeks to months. Ignoring symptoms, however, can lead to chronic pain or even tendon rupture. Early intervention and preventive measures are the best approach for maintaining healthy tendons and pain-free movement.
