Tendonitis—a common condition among golfers, tennis players and baseball players—refers to the painful inflammation of the cords (tendons) attached to your muscles and bones. In most cases, the inflammation is caused by overuse and repetitive movement. While tendonitis can develop in any tendon, it commonly occurs around the elbows, wrists, knees and heels.
The following are among the most common forms of tendonitis.
- Achilles tendonitis: Common among long-distance runners, achilles tendonitis affects the tendon that runs along the back of your leg from your calf muscle to your heel. Overuse of this tendon—when increasing the distance or intensity of your runs, for example—can lead to injuries such as tendonitis.
- Medial Epicondylitis: Also referred to as “golfer’s elbow” or “baseball elbow,” this form of tendonitis occurs along the front of your forearm from the elbow to the wrist. Overuse of your forearm over extended periods of time can lead to medial epicondylitis.
- Patellar Tendonitis: Also referred to as “jumper’s knee,” this form of tendonitis affects the tendon in your knee that enables you to jump, kick and run. Common among basketball and volleyball players, overuse of your knees can lead to patellar tendonitis.
- Lateral Epicondylitis: Also referred to as “tennis elbow,” this form of tendonitis occurs along the backside of your forearm from the elbow to the thumb. Overuse of your forearm over extended periods of time can lead to lateral epicondylitis.
Lacking proper treatment, tendonitis can eventually cause your tendon to tear.
Speak with a Bayhealth orthopedic expert about tendonitis.
Signs and Symptoms
Common symptoms of tendonitis include the following.
- Pain around the affected tendon
- Tenderness around the tendon
- Stiffness in the joints around the tendon
- Pain that worsens when you move
- Cracking, popping or clicking sounds during movement
- Mild swelling of the affected area
- Discoloration that includes the area turning red or purple
Risk Factors and Prevention
Several factors are known to increase the risk that you will develop tendonitis.
- Advanced Age: While tendonitis can develop at any age, the condition typically occurs in individuals aged 40 and older.
- Physical Exertion: Any strenuous activity that includes repetitive movements can contribute to tendonitis, from athletic activities such as tennis or golf, to occupational activities such as landscaping or shoveling. In all cases, it’s important to prioritize stretching beforehand as well as taking rest breaks.
- Underlying Illness: Tendonitis also develops as the result of conditions that weaken your muscles, such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and gout.
How We Diagnose Tendonitis
Our orthopedic experts use the following procedure to diagnose tendonitis.
- Ultrasound: High-energy sound waves are bounced off your internal tissues and organs, creating a detailed image (sonogram) of your body.
Treatment Options
Most cases of tendonitis can be managed with conservative treatment methods, such as icing the affected area and using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. Some cases may require physical therapy, corticosteroids or strength training to ensure the condition doesn’t progress. In rare cases, tendonitis can be managed through surgical treatment. Learn more about orthopedic conditions treated at Bayhealth, or speak with one of our experts.