Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, which is the tissue that connects muscle to bone. This condition often results from overuse or a traumatic injury. While tendonitis can occur in any tendon in the body, it most commonly affects joints such as the shoulder, knee, wrist, ankle, and elbow.

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Causes of Tendonitis

Tendonitis is often caused by repetitive stress, especially from daily motions in occupations or sports. While it can result from sudden injury, it is more commonly due to frequent, repetitive actions. As people age, their tendons become less flexible, making them more prone to tendonitis.

Individuals whose jobs involve overhead reaching, repetitive motions, vibration, or awkward postures are at higher risk. Athletes in sports like baseball, basketball, golf, bowling, swimming, tennis, and running are particularly vulnerable, and tendonitis is sometimes named after the sport causing the injury, such as tennis elbow or pitcher’s shoulder.

Additionally, certain antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones (e.g., Cipro and Levaquin), carry a “black box” warning from the FDA due to an increased risk of tendon injury.

Symptoms of Tendonitis

Common symptoms include:

  • Aching pain
  • Tenderness to the touch
  • Mild swelling

These symptoms usually worsen with movement.

Diagnosis of Tendonitis

Tendonitis, along with related conditions like chronic tendinosis, is referred to as tendinopathy. Diagnosis is typically made through a physical exam, along with imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI. Since untreated tendonitis can develop into tendinosis, a chronic degenerative condition, it is important to seek treatment for tendonitis that lasts more than a few days.

Treatment of Tendonitis

In severe cases, tendonitis may lead to tendon rupture, requiring surgical repair. However, most cases can be effectively treated with:

  • Rest
  • Anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief
  • Physical therapy

Physical therapy focuses on strengthening muscles, improving flexibility, and teaching proper movement patterns to prevent future injury. Eccentric stretching exercises, which help contract and stretch the muscle simultaneously, have proven particularly effective in treating tendon inflammation.

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