Facts:
- Tendonitis occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed.
- Shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers, hips, back, knees, ankles and feet can be affected. The symptoms usually include pain, stiffness and swelling.
- Early treatment prevents permanent damage.
- Tendonitis is caused by a specific injury or by repetitive overuse, during sports injuries and overuse of the tendon on the job or at home. Because tendons become less flexible with aging it is more common in middle aged and older adults.
- It can occur again in the same place.
- Anyone can get tendonitis but especially athletes or a “weekend warrior” from overuse. People with inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis have a higher risk
There are different types of tendonitis named after the location of symptoms:
- Rotator cuff syndrome – a type of tendinitis. It is the most common cause of shoulder pain from overhead activities. Starts as an ache in the shoulder worsened by specific movements. Range of motion is restricted by pain. Difficulty dressing and sleeping struggling to find a comfortable shoulder position.
- Tennis elbow – Inflammation of the tendon on the outside of the elbow. Causes pain during handshakes or lifting an object.
- de Quervain’s tenosynovitis – Pain, tenderness and, occasionally, swelling on the wrist side of the thumb caused by repetitive pinching of the thumb while moving the wrist, as may be seen in writing, needlework, assembly line work, etc. It also can be seen during and shortly after pregnancy.
- Trigger finger – The sheath of finger tendons will becomes inflamed and thickened causing the finger to lock in a bent position.
- Achilles tendinitis – Pain, tenderness and swelling at the back of the heel) is often the result of repetitive strain from sports, trauma or poorly fitting shoes.