Inflammation or severe irritation of a tendon, the thick, fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. It causes pain and tenderness just outside a joint.
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Who Typically Suffers
Athletes, gardeners, manual laborers, and older adults (as tendons lose elasticity and tear more easily with age).
What Causes It
While a sudden injury can cause it, tendonitis is much more likely to stem from the repetition of a particular movement over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I use ice or heat for tendonitis?
Ice is generally recommended for the first 48 hours to reduce acute inflammation and swelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes tendon pain or tendinopathy?
Tendon pain or tendinopathy can develop for several reasons, including repetitive loading, sudden training changes, poor recovery, movement mechanics, age-related changes, or certain health conditions. The location of pain alone does not always identify the source. A focused history and examination can help distinguish a local joint or soft-tissue problem from referred pain, nerve involvement, or a condition that needs medical testing.
When should I seek care for tendon pain or tendinopathy?
Schedule an evaluation when localized pain, stiffness, tenderness, or reduced tolerance for lifting, gripping, running, or jumping persist, recur, limit sleep or daily activity, or follow an injury. Seek urgent medical attention for severe trauma, fever, unexplained weight loss, new weakness, loss of coordination, chest pain, or loss of bowel or bladder control.
How is tendon pain or tendinopathy evaluated?
An evaluation typically includes questions about when symptoms began, activities that worsen or relieve them, prior injuries, and relevant medical history. The provider may assess mobility, strength, sensation, balance, posture, or movement patterns. Imaging or referral may be recommended when the examination suggests it is necessary.
What non-surgical treatments may help tendon pain or tendinopathy?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may include education, activity modification, chiropractic or manual care, therapeutic exercise, rehabilitation, and medical treatments when appropriate. The plan should focus on calming excessive load, restoring motion, gradually strengthening the tendon, and planning a progressive return to activity. No single treatment is right for every patient.
How long does improvement from tendon pain or tendinopathy take?
Recovery time varies with the cause, severity, duration, overall health, work or activity demands, and consistency with the care plan. Some symptoms improve within a few visits, while long-standing conditions may require more time. Progress should be reassessed using pain, mobility, strength, and functional goals.
