Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a condition that can happen wherever there are tendons on the body. A tendon is a band made out of fibers that connects bones to muscle and can be affected by repetitive movements. When too much or repeated stress is put on joints, the tendon becomes stressed—inflamed or irritated—and pain results. There are many specific types of tendonitis but some of the most frequent injuries occur to the rotator cuff, Achilles tendon, elbow, thumb, kneecap or patella, and ankle. Tendonitis becomes chronic when pain is recurring or lasts for a long time.

Repetitive injuries are caused by repeatedly using a particular muscle to do a task. This can include painting a ceiling for several hours, using backhand often in tennis, or holding hand tools tightly and for extended periods. Other everyday activities can cause this condition as well like gardening, playing golf, and house cleaning.

Symptoms of tendonitis include pain, tenderness, and swelling. Sometimes the pain can be dull and aching and other times, it can be burning and radiating. Range of motion will be limited as well due to increasing stiffness of the joints. The pain will be worst when the affected limb is moved or has pressure put upon it. In severe cases, the joint may freeze, a condition known as adhesive capsulitis.

Chronic tendonitis can be diagnosed with X-rays or ultrasound and treated with rest, ice, medicine, and physical therapy. Corticosteroid injections can give short term relief from tendonitis. This injection is given around the affected tendon to reduce inflammation to ease pain.