Understanding Tendinitis

Tendinitis occurs when the tendon (a thick cord that attaches muscle to bone) become inflamed. This condition can cause pain, tenderness and difficulty moving the affected join. Most often, tendinitis affects the shoulder, elbow, wrist or heel. Tendinitis is most commonly caused as a result of an injury, repetitive movement, aging, or certain diseases like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis.

Signs of Tendinitis
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you may have tendinitis:

• A dull ache surrounding the affected area or joint
• Increased pain when moving the joint
• Tenderness and increased pain to the touch
• Tightness that makes it difficult to move the affected area
• Swelling

Treating Tendinitis
There are several things you can do to reduce pain and inflammation in the tendon, including:

• Elevating and resting the tendon
• Intermittent application of cold and heat
• Over-the-counter medication like aspirin or ibuprofen
• Wearing a compression bandage to ease swelling
• Exercises to build strength in the area such as stretching and straightening

If your pain persists, it’s a good idea to visit your doctor. He or she may recommend corticosteroid injections to reduce pain and inflammation, wearing a splint or brace, physical therapy, or outpatient surgery to remove inflammatory tissue.

Tendinitis Prevention
To reduce your chances of developing tendinitis, take these simple steps:

• Warm up before exercise
• Maintain good posture when sitting at your desk
• Avoid repetitive motion and overuse
• Stay active to build muscle tone
• Use the right equipment in the workplace and while playing sports

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between tendinitis and tendinosis?

Tendinitis is acute inflammation of a tendon, while tendinosis is chronic degeneration of the tendon without much inflammation. The distinction matters because long standing tendon pain often responds better to progressive loading than to anti-inflammatory treatment alone.

How long does tendinitis take to heal?

Mild tendinitis often settles within a few weeks with rest and activity modification, while chronic cases can take several months. Continuing the aggravating activity is the most common reason recovery stalls.

Should I use ice or heat for tendinitis?

Ice is generally more useful in the first days when pain and swelling dominate, and heat tends to help more with stiffness in longer standing cases. Many people alternate and use whichever gives them more relief.

Can tendinitis heal on its own?

Many cases resolve with rest, activity changes and a gradual return to loading. Pain that persists beyond a few weeks, or that limits daily function, should be evaluated before the tendon degenerates further.

What happens if tendinitis is ignored?

Untreated tendon irritation can progress to degeneration and, in some tendons, to partial or complete tearing. Addressing it early is considerably simpler than treating a torn tendon later.

Reviewed by Dr. Richard Scheinberg, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in Santa Barbara with 40 years of surgical experience.