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Tendinitis

Definition

Tendons are the fibrous structures that join muscles to bones. When these tendons become swollen or inflamed, it is called tendinitis. In many cases, tendinosis (tendon degeneration) is also present.

Causes

Tendinitis can occur as a result of injury or overuse. Playing sports is a common cause. Tendinitis also can occur with aging as the tendon loses elasticity. Body-wide (systemic) diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes, can also lead to tendinitis.

Tendinitis can occur in any tendon. Commonly affected sites include the:

• Elbow

• Heel (Achilles tendinitis)

• Knee

• Shoulder

• Thumb

• Wrist

Symptoms

Symptoms of tendinitis may vary with activity or cause. Main symptoms may include:

• Pain and tenderness along a tendon, usually near a joint

• Pain at night

• Pain that is worse with movement or activity

• Stiffness in the morning

Exams and Tests

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. During the exam, your provider will look for signs of pain and tenderness when the muscle attached to the tendon is moved in certain ways. There are specific tests for specific tendons.

The tendon can be inflamed, and the skin over it may be warm and red.

Other tests that may be done include:

• Ultrasound

• X-ray

• MRI

Treatment

The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Your provider will recommend resting the affected tendon to help it recover. This may be done using a splint or a removable brace. Applying heat or cold to the affected area can help.

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as NSAIDs like aspirin or ibuprofen, can also reduce both pain and inflammation. Steroid injections into the tendon sheath can also be very useful for controlling pain.

Your provider may also suggest physical therapy to stretch and strengthen the muscle and tendon. This can restore the tendon's ability to function properly, improve healing, and prevent future injury.

In rare cases, surgery is needed to remove the inflamed tissue from around the tendon.

Outlook (Prognosis)

Symptoms improve with treatment and rest. If the injury is caused by overuse, a change in work habits may be needed to prevent the problem from coming back.

Possible Complications

Complications of tendinitis may include:

• Long-term inflammation raises the risk for further injury, such as rupture

• Return of tendinitis symptoms

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Contact your provider if symptoms of tendinitis occur.

Prevention

Tendinitis can be prevented by:

• Avoiding repetitive motions and overuse of the arms and legs.

• Keeping all your muscles strong and flexible.

• Doing warm up exercises at a relaxed pace before vigorous activity.

References

Biundo JJ, Canoso JJ. Bursitis, tendinitis, and other periarticular disorders and sports medicine. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 242.

Geiderman JM, Torbati S. General principles of orthopedic injuries. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 41.

Review Date: 7/23/2024

Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.