Tendonitis is an inflammation of the cords that attach your muscles to bones. The main symptoms of tendonitis are pain and tenderness that make it hard to move the joint being affected. It's possible to develop tendonitis in any tendon, but it's most commonly observed in tendons in the shoulder, knee, heel, wrist or elbow. A number of common sports injury terms like swimmer's shoulder and tennis elbow actually refer to tendonitis.The cause of tendonitis is almost always a repetitive motion, which is why it's sometimes called a repetitive motion condition. The reason for this lies in the job of tendons in the first place. They allow you to make movements repetitively, but if you do them frequently, such as on an every day basis for years, like in sports or work, inflammation is likely to develop eventually. You're even more likely to get it if you do the motion incorrectly. Injury, aging and some diseases like rheumatoid arthritis can also cause tendonitis.
Signs of tendonitis typically manifest in a dull ache and stiffness first near the affected area or the specific joint. Such signs also tend to increase when you move the affected area or joint. You might experience stiff joints, loss of motion, swelling and tenderness in the area as well. When you first feel these symptoms come on, you should apply ice and rest the area. Treatment for tendonitis can include rest, elevating the area, heat or ice applications, medications such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, and wrapping the joint in a compression bandage to improve swelling. In more severe cases, you might need supports, surgery, physical therapy or corticosteroid injections.
Signs of tendonitis typically manifest in a dull ache and stiffness first near the affected area or the specific joint. Such signs also tend to increase when you move the affected area or joint. You might experience stiff joints, loss of motion, swelling and tenderness in the area as well. When you first feel these symptoms come on, you should apply ice and rest the area. Treatment for tendonitis can include rest, elevating the area, heat or ice applications, medications such as pain relievers and anti-inflammatories, and wrapping the joint in a compression bandage to improve swelling. In more severe cases, you might need supports, surgery, physical therapy or corticosteroid injections.