Recognizing the Signs of Tendonitis

Tendons are thick, fibrous cords connecting bone and muscle in our bodies. Tendonitis occurs when your tendon gets inflamed and irritated. 

Tendonitis is a painful condition with the tenderness and discomfort felt near a joint, most commonly around your wrists, shoulders, elbows, heels, and knees. Other names for the condition include tennis elbow, pitcher’s shoulder, jumper’s knee, or swimmer’s shoulder.

Most cases of tendonitis resolve within a few days with self-care methods. However, if symptoms persist or interfere with your ability to complete typical daily tasks for more than a few days, call Hansen Foot & Ankle in Mill Creek, Washington. Nathan Hansen, DPM, diagnoses and treats tendonitis that isn’t responding to home care.

Here’s how to know if you have tendonitis.

What causes tendonitis?

Sometimes tendonitis is caused by a sudden injury, but more often it is the result of overuse or repetitive movements over time. If your job, hobbies, or sports activities involve the same movement over and over, it puts stress on your tendons and can lead to tendonitis. 

Over 70,000 people in the United States miss work annually due to tendonitis. You’re more at risk for developing tendonitis as you age because your tendons become less flexible. You’re also at an increased risk if you have diabetes, infection, kidney disease, or rheumatoid arthritis.

Signs and symptoms of tendonitis

How do you know if the pain you feel is tendonitis or muscle strain? The symptoms are similar, but you can distinguish the two conditions by where the pain is felt.

Tendonitis usually causes pain at the point where the tendon attaches to your bone, while a muscle strain causes pain directly in the muscle. Common tendonitis symptoms include:

• Pain and discomfort when moving the affected joint
• Reduced range of motion
• Tender to the touch
• Mild swelling

Pain may start suddenly or may gradually build up over time.

Home treatment for tendonitis

Because most cases of tendonitis resolve on their own after a few days, if you suspect you have tendonitis, try the following home remedies to relieve the pain:

• Avoid activities that cause more pain or discomfort
• Rest the affected area
• Ice the affected area
• Try over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medication

If the pain isn’t getting better or is accompanied by fever, swelling, or an inability to move the affected area, call Dr. Hansen for an appointment. You may require more advanced treatments.

Hansen Foot & Ankle tendonitis treatment

Dr. Hansen tries conservative methods to relieve tendonitis first, including corticosteroid injections to decrease inflammation and pain, and physical therapy. If your tendonitis doesn’t respond to treatment, you may require surgery.

Call the office or schedule your appointment online today.