Tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon. Tendons are thick bands of tissue made mostly of collagen that connect muscles to bones. They are responsible for the smooth movements of your joints and muscles. When these are irritated, you’ll experience pain and a limited range of motion.
Tendinitis can affect any tendon, but it most commonly occurs in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels. Repetitive stress or overuse of the tendon is usually the cause of inflammation and irritation, and it is most likely to occur in athletes and individuals who engage in repetitive activities. Poor posture and improper technique can also contribute to the development of tendinitis.
Aging also increases the risk for tendonitis, as the collagen fibers lose their elasticity and become more prone to injury. Other conditions, such as diabetes and arthritis, can also make your tendons more susceptible to inflammation.
Our expert, Thomas Kane III, often sees patients suffering from tendinitis. To help you, we asked him to share the most common signs and what can be done about them.
Understanding the signs early on makes it easier to seek medical attention and prevent further damage to the tendons.
The hallmark of tendinitis is a dull ache or tenderness over the affected tendon. The pain usually worsens with movement and may be more noticeable at night or first thing in the morning. In severe cases, the pain may become sharp, making it difficult to move the affected joint.
Swelling is a byproduct of inflammation. As your body tries to gather more resources for the affected area, blood flow increases, making the area appear warm and tender to the touch.
A functional tendon ensures smooth movement, but the range of motion is affected when the tendon is inflamed. Stiffness is usually worse after periods of rest or in the morning.
Tendons allow muscles to move, but when tendons can’t support the muscles effectively, the muscle suffers too. If you have tendinitis in the back of your lower leg, you may find it hard to push off your foot while walking or running.
As you move the affected tendon, you may hear a cracking or popping sensation, which can be accompanied by pain or discomfort.
Under the guidance of Dr. Kane, you may be recommended conservative approaches: rest, ice therapy, physical therapy, pain medications, injection of the affected tendon. Surgery is rarely needed but can be helpful if your tendons aren’t able to heal with conservative approaches.
If you are experiencing persistent pain, swelling, or stiffness that doesn’t improve with rest, ice or anti-inflammatories like Aleve or Motrin, contact us to schedule an appointment. Dr. Kane can evaluate your symptoms, conduct tests if necessary, and determine the cause of the symptoms.
Left untreated, tendinitis can lead to more severe issues that go beyond discomfort and pain. Your affected tendon may rupture altogether. Another risk of tendinitis is that the symptoms may become chronic, causing long-lasting pain and damage to the surrounding tissues.
If you are experiencing symptoms, don’t delay—contact us to schedule an appointment and ensure your recovery while avoiding potential complications.
