Tendinitis is a condition that develops when a tendon (the fibrous tissue connecting muscles to bones) becomes irritated or inflamed, usually as a result of repetitive motion. It can affect any of the tendons in the body, but is most often seen in the shoulders, elbows, wrists, thumbs, hips, knees, and heels. When tendinitis affects the shoulder, it might be referred to as “pitcher’s shoulder” or “swimmer’s shoulder,” and when it affects the elbow, it’s sometimes called “golfer’s elbow” or “tennis elbow.”
What are the symptoms of tendinitis?
One of the most common symptoms of tendinitis is a dull, aching pain that tends to be exacerbated when the affected area of the body is moved. Other symptoms include:
- Crackling or grating sensations
- Heat
- Redness
- Swelling
- Tenderness
How is tendinitis treated?
Many individuals can treat the symptoms of tendinitis by resting, icing the affected area, and taking pain medication. In more severe cases, however, a physician’s help may be needed to find relief. It’s important to seek prompt, proper treatment for tendinitis, since failing to do so could increase the chances of developing tendinosis or sustaining a tendon rupture, which could require surgery.
