A punch in of tendinopathy, tendonitis can affect any tendon in the body.
Rest and preventing re-injury are the core of any tendonitis treatment plan.
This article discusses tendonitis and its symptoms.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
It also explains when tendonitis warrants medical attention, possible causes, and common locations.
It also details how tendonitis is diagnosed, treated, and prevented.
Tendonitis Symptoms
Tendonitis generally causes sudden pain and inflammation.
Direct injurysuch as a blow to the tendoncan also cause tendonitis.
So can inflammatory disorders likerheumatoid arthritisandosteoarthritis.
However, you do have control over some of them.
What Is Tendinopathy?
Tendinopathy is an umbrella term that refers to any abnormal condition of the tendon.
This includes tendonitis and other conditions that cause tendon pain, inflammation, and limited mobility.
Common Tendonitis Types and Locations
Tendonitis is typically classified by its location.
If the cause isn’t clear, they may order additional tests such asX-raysandmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
MRI shows the soft tissues, so it’s good for spotting tendon problems.
X-rays are more useful for ruling out injuries to the bone.
Imaging can tell a healthcare provider if you’re dealing with one or the other.
It can help immobilize and relieve pressure on the afflicted tendon.
You may also benefit fromsteroid injections, physical therapy, or, in severe cases, surgery.
Summary
Tendonitis involves inflammation of a tendon.
It can be due to injury, repetitive use, or inflammatory disease.
Common locations are the Achilles tendon, knee, wrist, elbow, bicep, and shoulder.
Common symptoms are pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Tendonitis can be diagnosed with a physical exam and possibly imaging studies.
Treatments include immobilization, ice, steroid injections, physical therapy and surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Tendonitis treatment may involve rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.
); pain medications or corticosteroid injections; and an exercise plan or physical therapy.
Severe cases may require surgery.
Yes, tendonitis can affect the arm.
it’s possible for you to have it in the shoulder, elbow, biceps, or wrist.
Yes, certain diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes can cause or raise your risk of tendon pain.
These are systemic (body-wide) diseases that can eventually lead to tendonitis.
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