Tendonitis happens when a tendon — the thick band connecting muscle to bone — gets irritated or inflamed. Ever felt a sharp or burning pain near a joint like your elbow, shoulder, or heel? That could be tendonitis. It’s pretty common, especially if you’re active or doing repetitive movements.
So, what causes it? Simple: repeated stress or sudden injuries. Playing tennis, typing a lot, or lifting without warming up properly can all crank up the risk. Even something as small as using the wrong tools or bad posture can trigger it over time.
Notice a dull ache around a joint that gets worse with movement? Maybe swelling, stiffness, or tenderness right where the tendon meets the bone? Those are signs to watch for. Often, the pain builds gradually instead of hitting you out of nowhere. Early attention saves you from long-term trouble.
First off, rest the area. Avoid activities that worsen pain and give your tendon some time to heal. Applying ice for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day helps reduce swelling and pain. Over-the-counter pain blockers like ibuprofen can be your buddy, but check with a doctor if you’re unsure.
Stretching and gentle strengthening exercises are your best friends once the worst pain eases. They encourage healing and help prevent future flare-ups. If your job or hobby caused the problem, tweaking how you do things matters a lot — think ergonomic keyboards or changing your workout routine.
Sometimes, if the pain sticks around or worsens, it’s time to see a healthcare provider. They might suggest physical therapy, special braces, or in rare cases, injections. Surgery is usually the last resort and only if nothing else works.
Bottom line? Don’t ignore persistent tendon pain. With some care and smart moves, you can tackle tendonitis successfully and get back to what you love without that nagging ache.
As a tennis enthusiast, I recently experienced a painful condition called tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis. This condition occurs when the tendons in the outer part of the elbow become inflamed due to repetitive stress or overuse. Some common symptoms include pain and tenderness around the outer elbow, stiffness, and a weak grip. Although its name suggests that it only affects tennis players, anyone can develop tennis elbow, especially those who engage in activities that involve repetitive wrist and arm motions. To treat this condition, it's crucial to rest the affected area, apply ice, and consider physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications for pain relief.