Tendinitis can be a real pain in the knee, shoulder, heel, thumb, wrist, elbow—basically, anywhere you have a tendon.
Tendinitis is inflammation of a tendon, tissue that connects muscles to bones. Since we use our tendons all the time, a painful tendon issue can disrupt your life. Fortunately, tendinitis is treatable.
You can injure your tendon suddenly if you fall or make an awkward movement. But injury most often happens over time, when you do an activity in the same way over and over again.
For example, you could get tendinitis in your shoulder if your job or sport requires overhead motions. Or you might get tendinitis in your wrist if you type a lot.
Although anyone can get tendinitis, it is especially common in middle-aged adults. Some diseases, such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, can increase your risk too.
If you have tendinitis, you might notice pain and swelling over the injured tendon. You may also have pain that’s worse at night or with movement and morning stiffness in the affected area.
Your doctor can check for tendinitis by examining the sore area and asking about your symptoms. In most cases, you will not need imaging tests.
To treat your tendinitis, your doctor may advise you to stop doing activities that aggravate the tendon while it heals. Your doctor may have you wear a splint or brace. They may suggest applying ice or heat to ease pain and inflammation. Physical therapy may also play a role in your recovery. Surgery is rarely needed.
You may lower your risk for tendinitis by limiting repetitive movements and avoiding overusing your arms and legs when you can. That might mean changing up your movements at work, for instance. Regular exercise can help keep your muscles strong and flexible, which may also help you avoid tendon issues. And make sure to warm up your muscles before you jump into strenuous exercise.
Sources: American Medical Association; American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine; Arthritis Foundation; National Institutes of Health; U.S. National Library of Medicine