Tendonitis: what is, symptoms, causes and treatment

Tendonitis is the inflammation of tendons that usually occurs after their injury due to intense or repetitive efforts such as playing sports such as tennis and running or activities such as typing and writing for long periods, which can cause pain and difficulty of movement.

In general, symptoms such as pain and stiffness in the affected site improve after movement, but rest and use of anti-inflammatory drugs may also be indicated. When not properly treated, symptoms may worsen affecting one’s quality of life and limiting daily tasks.

In case of tendonitis suspicion it is important to consult a general or orthopedist practitioner for an appraisal and start of proper treatment. In addition, measures such as exercise regularly and with professional guidance are important to avoid tendonitis.

Main symptoms

The main symptoms of tendonitis are:

• Pain to the touch of the inflamed tendon region;
• Difficulty moving the articulation;
• Swelling of the region where there is inflammation.

Depending on the place of inflammation, tendonitis can cause difficulty performing daily tasks and even walking, and in the early stages, pain and rigidity tend to be worse in the morning or to stay with the body still, improving after activities.

If tendonitis is suspected, it is important to consult a general or orthopedist clinician for an appraisal and start of proper treatment. When tendonitis is not treated properly, pain and stiffness can become constant, occurring even after the onset of movement.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of tendonitis is usually made by the general practitioner or orthopedist taking into account the symptoms and tasks performed by the person who may be related to the onset of pain and stiffness.

Although imaging such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging may be indicated in case of suspected tendonitis to evaluate the affected muscles and tendons, they are not always needed.

Make an appointment with the nearest orthopedist to make a symptom assessment and thus start the most appropriate treatment:

Possible causes

Tendonitis is usually caused by overload on tendons due to exercise or effort when very intense, repetitive, performed incorrectly or with inappropriate posture, without adequate interval for recovery or appropriate equipment, which can injure the tendons and cause inflammation responsible for symptoms.

In addition, diseases such as high diabetes and high cholesterol, aging, smoking and lack of stretching and excess flexibility increase the risk of developing tendonitis.

Tendonitis Types

The main types of tendonitis are:

• Shoulder tendonitis: It is usually caused by shoulder impacts due to contact sports, such as struggle, for example, or excessive movement as when performing throws;
• Elbow tendonitis: It is related to sports involving rackets and tacos, activities such as excessive typing and work with carpentry and heavy machines, where there is a need to extend the arm tightly or repeatedly;
• Pulse tendonitis: may occur related to activities such as writing, typing or playing musical instruments, when performed repeatedly and for long periods;
• Knee tendonitis: Also called goose paw tendonitis, it is usually caused by activities that use the knee a lot, such as races, for example, but may also be related to impacts;
• Calcaneal tendonitis: It can be caused by intense or constant efforts such as running on climbs, dance ballet or use inappropriate shoes.

Regardless of the type of tendonitis, intense and repetitive efforts are usually involved in their development.

How treatment is done

Tendonitis treatment usually involves rest, avoiding the activities that aggravate it, and temporary use of anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and diclofenac. In addition, other measures such as physical therapy and corticosteroid injection can also be indicated and, in some cases, even surgery. See more details about tendonitis treatment options.

How to avoid

Tendonitis can be avoided by measures such as:

• Perform exercise according to the guidance of a professional;
• Stretch before exercising;
• Avoid overloading muscles and joints;
• Use suitable equipment for exercises such as tennis and protections;
• Maintain proper posture;
• Use ergonomic equipment if you work for a long time sitting, such as appropriate chairs and tables;
• Avoid staying in the same position for a long time.

In addition, it is important to practice physical activities regularly because it helps muscles and tendons adapt to exercise and effort, avoiding their injury.

Created by:
EDITORIAL TEAM TEAR TEAM

Editorial team consisting of doctors and health professionals from various areas such as nursing, nutrition, physiotherapy, clinical analysis and pharmacy.