Tendinitis is a condition characterized by the inflammation or irritation of a tendon—the thick fibrous cords that attach muscle to bone. This condition often causes pain and tenderness just outside a joint and is especially common in shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels.

While tendinitis can affect anyone, it's more likely to occur in adults over the age of 40 and individuals whose jobs or activities involve repetitive motion. In many cases, it’s a temporary condition that resolves with proper care, but if ignored, it may become chronic and lead to tendon rupture or long-term disability.

Common Symptoms

The hallmark signs of tendinitis are pain and swelling around the affected joint. Symptoms can be acute or develop gradually, depending on the cause and severity.

  • Dull, aching pain near a joint

  • Localized swelling or redness

  • Tenderness to touch

  • Joint stiffness or reduced mobility

  • Worsening pain with movement or activity

  • Pain that lingers after activity

  • Night pain or discomfort at rest

  • Weakness in the associated limb

In advanced cases, tendinitis may result in significant mobility limitations and muscle weakness due to pain avoidance and disuse.

Typical Causes

Tendinitis is most often caused by repetitive stress on a tendon. However, it can also arise from a single acute injury or underlying health issues.

Repetitive Activities:

  • Sports like tennis, golf, running

  • Poor posture or ergonomics at work

  • Repeated lifting, cleaning, or typing

  • Driving for extended periods

Sudden Injuries:

  • Falls or accidents that strain the joint

Medical Factors:

  • Rheumatoid arthritis

  • Osteoarthritis

  • Gout

  • Diabetes

  • Thyroid disorders

Medications:

  • Fluoroquinolone antibiotics

  • Statins

  • Corticosteroids

Understanding the root cause helps guide effective treatment and long-term prevention strategies.

Who Is at Risk?

While anyone can develop tendinitis, certain factors increase the likelihood:

  • Age over 40 (tendons lose elasticity)

  • Occupations requiring repetitive motions (e.g., carpenters, typists)

  • Sports participation (especially without proper technique or warm-up)

  • Poor footwear or ergonomics

  • Sudden increase in exercise intensity or volume

  • Inflammatory conditions or metabolic disorders

Athletes, active individuals, and those in manual labor professions must be especially vigilant.

Types of Tendinitis

Tendinitis is often named based on the joint or activity involved:

  • Tennis elbow – lateral epicondylitis

  • Golfer’s elbow – medial epicondylitis

  • Jumper’s knee – patellar tendinitis

  • Swimmer’s shoulder – rotator cuff tendinitis

  • Achilles tendinitis – affects the heel

  • De Quervain’s tendinitis – affects the thumb and wrist

These labels help pinpoint the area of irritation and guide therapy.

How It’s Diagnosed

Your healthcare provider will use a combination of history, physical examination, and possibly imaging to confirm tendinitis.

Medical History:

  • Activities that triggered symptoms

  • Duration and progression of pain

  • Medication history

  • Family history of inflammatory disorders

Physical Exam:

  • Palpation to detect swelling or thickening

  • Range-of-motion testing

  • Resistance exercises to identify weakness

Imaging Tests:

  • X-rays – to rule out other joint conditions

  • Ultrasound – to visualize swelling or tendon tears

  • MRI – to assess deeper soft tissue damage

These methods ensure accurate diagnosis and exclude other potential conditions like arthritis or tendon rupture.

Treatment Options

Effective treatment focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and restoring normal tendon function. Depending on the severity, recovery can take weeks to months.

1. Rest and Activity Modification:
Avoid the motion or activity that triggered the pain. Rest gives the tendon time to recover. In some cases, immobilization with a brace or splint may be recommended.

2. Ice Therapy:
Applying ice packs for 10–15 minutes several times daily helps control swelling and reduce pain.

3. Medications:
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen are effective for pain management. Corticosteroid injections may be used for more severe inflammation.

4. Physical Therapy:
A physical therapist can design a program to:

  • Stretch and strengthen the affected tendon

  • Correct biomechanical issues

  • Improve joint flexibility

  • Prevent re-injury

5. Ergonomic Adjustments:
Modifying posture, using supportive devices, or correcting workstation alignment can reduce strain.

6. Surgery:
Surgery is rarely required but may be necessary in chronic cases unresponsive to conservative treatments or when there is a complete tendon tear.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Recovering from tendinitis involves patience and consistent effort. Your provider may recommend:

  • Gradual reintroduction of activity

  • Stretching and strengthening exercises

  • Monitoring for recurrence

  • Use of orthotic devices if needed

  • Hydration and nutrition to support healing

Most cases resolve within 6–10 weeks, but full tendon recovery may take longer, especially if the condition has become chronic.

Prevention Tips

Preventing tendinitis is often a matter of lifestyle adjustments. Here are practical strategies:

  • Warm up before physical activity

  • Stretch muscles and tendons regularly

  • Avoid sudden increases in training intensity

  • Maintain good posture at work and during activities

  • Use equipment that fits your body correctly

  • Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks

  • Wear supportive, cushioned footwear

  • Use assistive tools for lifting or repetitive motion

  • Listen to your body—stop activities that cause pain

Prevention is key, particularly for those with past injuries or known risk factors.

Complications to Watch For

If tendinitis is not treated, it may lead to complications such as:

  • Chronic tendinitis (lasting over 6 weeks)

  • Tendinosis (degeneration of the tendon fibers)

  • Tendon rupture (complete tear)

  • Joint stiffness or permanent reduced mobility

  • Reduced performance in athletes

The most common serious complication is Achilles tendon rupture, which can require surgical repair and a 6-month or longer recovery.

Living with Tendinitis

Living with tendinitis requires lifestyle adaptation, but with proper care, symptoms can be managed effectively. Tips for daily life:

  • Prioritize rest for the affected area

  • Apply ice during flare-ups

  • Use braces, wraps, or supportive devices

  • Take medications as prescribed

  • Follow a consistent rehab or therapy plan

  • Stay active within your limits to avoid deconditioning

  • Communicate with your doctor if symptoms return

Proactive care leads to better outcomes and reduces the risk of re-injury.

FAQs

How long does tendinitis take to heal?
Mild cases may improve in 2–3 weeks, while more severe cases can take several months depending on the treatment and patient compliance.

Can tendinitis heal on its own?
Yes, with rest and proper care, tendinitis can resolve naturally. However, ignoring symptoms or pushing through the pain may worsen the condition.

Is tendinitis the same as arthritis?
No. Tendinitis affects tendons, while arthritis affects joints. However, they may occur together, especially in people with inflammatory conditions.