The term tendonitis refers to inflammation of the tendons at any location in the body, resulting from various factors. It typically presents as acute pain, ranging from a sudden injury to chronic tendon irritation. Tendonitis can affect not only the tendon itself but also the tendinous attachment to the muscle.
Where It Occur ?
Tendonitis can occur throughout the body, but it is most frequently observed in the upper limbs, shoulder,wrist, knee and Achilles tendon. The most commonly encountered types include:
- Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow)
- Rotator cuff tendonitis
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
- Biceps tendonitis
- Patellar tendonitis
- Achilles tendonitis
Each type of tendonitis is associated with different causative factors, clinical presentations, and management strategies.
Etiology
The causes of tendonitis vary depending on the specific tendon involved. In general, tendonitis may result from:
- Repetitive movements, particularly in athletes performing the same motion repeatedly
- Intense physical activity
- Rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and other types of arthritis
- Anatomical variations
- Poor posture or gait abnormalities
- Impaired blood circulation
- Prolonged computer use
- Diabetes mellitus
- Obesity.
Symptoms of Tendonitis
The most common symptom of tendonitis is acute pain, which may persist for a variable duration. The pain is typically localized to the affected tendon and its surrounding area, is often intense, and can interfere with even simple movements or daily activities. The duration of pain can range from a few days to several weeks.In the early stages, pain usually occurs during physical activityor when performing a specific movement. As the condition progresses, however, pain may worsen throughout the day and can be triggered by simple activities such as kneeling, sitting, or climbing stairs. Other common symptoms include Swelling,Burning sensation and pain worsening at night.
Management of Tendonitis
Once tendonitis is diagnosed and confirmed, the physician determines the most appropriate management strategy based on factors such as severity, patient age, and activity level. Common treatment options include:
- Rest and avoidance of activities that exacerbate pain for a specified period
- Use of a brace or splint to partially immobilize the affected area and reduce discomfort
- Thermal therapy (cold or heat): Cold application is recommended during the first 48 hours to reduce swelling, followed by heat application after 48 hours for optimal recovery
- Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs)
- Corticosteroid injections, reserved for more severe cases
- Biological therapy with platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Individualized physiotherapy program tailored to the patient
- Surgical intervention, reserved for severe or refractory cases
The onset and progression of tendonitis can be prevented through regular rest periods, particularly after intense physical activity, as well as by reducing the intensity or temporarily discontinuing activity if early signs of tendon irritation are detected.It is crucial for patients to seek timely consultation with a specialist to prevent progression of the condition and reduce the risk of it developing into chronic tendonitis.
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