Warning Signs of Tendonitis

Tendonitis is a common problem that can impact any tendons in your body. However, it’s most common in the elbows, shoulders, knees, and ankles. That’s because these fibrous bands of tissue connect your muscles to bones so you can move, and these areas get a lot of use every day.

Tendons may be strong, but they’re also prone to irritation and damage. When that occurs, it’s common to experience tenderness, swelling, or pain near the affected joint — or tendonitis. These symptoms can make lifting things, walking, or standing impossible, and even cause instability and decreased mobility.

Fortunately, treatments exist to effectively minimize pain and get you back in the game, and The Woodlands Sports Medicine Centre is here to help. Our team of experts specializes in managing musculoskeletal conditions, including tendonitis.

At our practice in The Woodlands, Texas, we offer comprehensive evaluations to understand your condition, including advanced on-site imaging. And, once we reach a diagnosis, we develop a personalized treatment plan to restore your wellness and mobility.

Have you had pain near a joint? It’s time to learn more about the signs of tendonitis, so you can get the care you need. 

Recognizing the signs of tendonitis

In most cases, pain is your first sign of a problem. However, depending on its location, pain can also indicate anything from a sprain to arthritis. So, identifying the cause of your pain isn’t always easy.

What sets tendonitis pain apart is how it comes and goes. For example, tendonitis pain is generally worse after you’ve been resting. It’s also common to have stiffness in the area or sharp pain when you first use the affected part of your body in the morning. For many people with tendonitis, symptoms also worsen when you haven’t used the joint for a prolonged period. 

Tendonitis pain can even dissipate when you continue your activity. However, it often reappears if you engage in the behavior for too long. Some people also notice a dull, persistent ache, while others notice visible swelling in the area and a tendon that’s sensitive to touch.

Where you feel pain depends on which tendon is affected and the extent of the damage. Two common types of tendonitis include:

Rotator cuff

This form of tendonitis affects the tendons supporting shoulder joint movement. It can occur from sports injuries or wear-and-tear over time. 

Achilles tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis involves inflammation in your Achilles tendon at the back of your ankle. This tendonitis causes pain in the heel, sometimes extending up to the middle of your calf. It’s also possible for the pain to worsen when walking or running.

Understanding your risks for tendonitis

Although anyone can develop tendonitis, certain factors may make the condition more likely. You have higher risks of tendonitis if you:

• Engage in sports like running, baseball, or tennis
• Have hobbies or a job with repetitive movements
• Are over 40 years old
• Are overweight
• Wear unsupportive shoes
• Train improperly or use poor body mechanics
• Have a previous injury

In most cases, we can treat tendonitis using conservative, noninvasive methods. However, serious injuries can require surgical repair. 

Ready to find relief from tendonitis pain with help from the experts at The Woodlands Sports Medicine Centre? Call 281-410-2882, or send us a message online to get started.