Understanding Tendinitis: Causes, Symptoms & Common Locations

Tendinitis, also known as tendonitis, is inflammation of the tendon. A tendon is the tissue that connects muscle to bone. Tendinitis can occur in different areas of the body.

Causes

• Tendinitis is usually caused by repetitive motion, overuse or injury. Some chronic inflammatory diseases will also cause tendinitis.

Locations

• The most common sites for tendinitis are the shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles and wrists. Runner's knee, tennis elbow and pitcher's shoulder are types of tendinitis.

Symptoms

• Tendinitis can present with pain and swelling just outside a joint. Depending on the site of the inflammation, the pain may be worse with certain movements.

Prevention

• Warming up and stretching before exercising or beginning a task requiring repetitive motion can help prevent tendinitis. Cross training and using proper body technique can also reduce the risk of developing inflammation in the tendons.

Treatment

• Treatment of tendinitis involves rest, ice and pain relievers in most cases. In severe cases, or when there is a significant tear in the tendon, steroidal injections and surgery may be considered.