Time tested remedies | Most affordable prices

Tendon pain

Condition Overview:

Tendinopathy is a type of tendon injury that occurs when the tendon becomes painful or torn. The term "tendinitis"—which means "inflammation of the tendon"—is often used to describe tendon problems, but inflammation is rarely the cause of tendon pain. Most commonly, tendon pain is actually a symptom of a series of microtears in the connective tissue in or around the tendon, which may be called tendinosis. Note that more severe tears or ruptures of a tendon are not addressed here. Tendinopathy is a term used by a growing number of tendon experts to describe tendinitis (inflammation) and tendinosis (microtears) collectively. This term is not yet universally used. Your health professional may still use the term tendinitis to describe tendon injuries.

Tendinopathy is caused by overuse and repeated movements, a sudden injury (which may be mild), or gradual degeneration or aging. Most tendon injuries are a slow-healing series of microtears (tendinosis) that weaken a tendon, often causing pain, stiffness, and loss of strength. Tendinopathies usually require several weeks of treatment, modified activity, and rest. Returning the injured tendon to use too soon can lead to more tendon damage, eventually making a tendon more likely to tear or rupture. A tendon injury can develop: Slowly over time from overuse, as from repeated twisting and/or rapid joint movements. Quickly. A weakened tendon is more prone to a tear or rupture than a healthy tendon; it would take great force to suddenly break up a healthy tendon's ropelike structure. Tendinopathy can affect anyone, but those who perform repetitive tasks in their jobs, sports, or daily activities are at greater risk. It's likely that some of your daily activities, such as tool use, gardening, cooking, cleaning, and keyboarding, require repetitive movement. Some common tendon injuries you may have heard of occur on the outside of the elbow (tennis elbow) or the back of the heel (Achilles tendinopathy).

Tendinopathy typically causes pain, tenderness, and stiffness near the affected tendon. The joint areas most commonly affected are the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. Symptoms of tendinopathy may be similar to those of bursitis.

A tendon injury usually can be diagnosed with a review of your medical history and recent activities and a physical examination. If tendon symptoms are severe or have not improved with treatment, your health professional may recommend additional testing, such as X-ray, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance image (MRI).