Tendons are the soft but tough fibres which link your muscles to bone. When your muscles contract, the tendons pull your bones and enable your joints to move.

Tendinitis is the irritation of the tendons that causes inflammation outside a joint. Tendinitis is very similar to bursitis.

Any tendon in the body can be affected, but the ones around the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees and heels are usually affected. Common names for various sites involved, in different sports, are:

Tennis elbow
Golfer’s or Baseball elbow
Swimmer’s shoulder
Pitcher’s shoulder
Jumper’s knee

Basketball, baseball, bowling and skiing professionals are also at risk.

As people age the tendons become less flexible, prone to injury and rupture. However, repetitive movements as part of your job or hobbies can lead to stress upon relevant tendons. This is why proper posture and technique is important when performing such motions in sports or activities at your job. If your occupation includes awkward positions, forceful exertion, frequent overhead reaching and/or vibration, it can be a causative factor.

Certain disorders can weaken your muscles, like rheumatoid arthritis, gout, kidney disorde or blood disease. An already inflamed tendon should not be pushed any further; the prime complication you want to avoid is rupture of the tendon, which would require invasive repair.

When to seek expert advise

If pain if the sole symptom, it is likely that this episode will respond to self-care measures taken at home. However, most diseases of bone, muscles and joints reveal themselves in analogous ways, so it is a good idea to get a medical opinion. If you notice any of the following signs, you should immediately consult the Musculoskeletal and Sports Medicine Service Line at The Aga Khan University Hospital:

Fever (especially when above 100 degrees Fahrenheit)
Swelling, redness, and warmth in the inflamed region
Generally feeling ill
Multiple sites of pain
Inability to move the affected area

If the presenting symptoms do not resolve over within a week or so after rest and your daily activities are disturbed, it is an alarming signal and should prompt you to seek medical help.

Disclaimer

The information provided on our website is for educational purposes and not intended to be a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. You should always seek the advice of your doctor or other healthcare professional provider.