PainCare Florida Physicians

Tendonitis

PAIN CONDITION

Tendonitis Pain: Causes, Treatment & Pain Relief

If you have tendinitis, you know how unpredictable tendon pain can be. Some days, it flares up and disrupts your routine—other days, it seems to ease up. Also called tendinopathy, this condition occurs when the strong, fibrous tissues connecting your muscles to your bones become inflamed. It can affect your shoulders, wrists, elbows, hips, knees, and heels, making even simple movements uncomfortable.[1]

While tendinitis is common, the pain and stiffness can limit your mobility. The good news? You can manage it with noninvasive and minimally invasive treatments—often without needing surgery.

About Tendinitis

Tendinitis, sometimes spelled tendonitis or known as tendinopathy, is the inflammation or irritation of the connective tissues (tendons) between your muscles and bones.[2] It’s usually caused by repetitive motions, overuse or sudden strain, causing pain and discomfort near the affected joint.[3] Most cases of tendonitis develop due to overuse or repetition due to sports, hobbies and jobs that require the same movements consistently.[2] Tendon pain is near the joints and can be misdiagnosed as bursitis or arthritis.[4]

While tendinitis can occur anywhere in the body, it most commonly affects the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels. According to WebMD, this condition is often named after the affected tendon. You may recognize the more common types like:

  • Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) – outer elbow
  • Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) – inner elbow
  • Jumper’s knee (patellar tendinitis)
  • Achilles heel or Achilles tendinitis – the tendon at the back of the ankle
  • Wrist tendinitis
  • Biceps tendonitis – rotator cuff tendonitis
  • Trigger finger or thumb

These less common types are significant among athletes and active individuals: calcific tendonitis (calcium deposits, often affects shoulders), peroneal tendonitis (ankle), extensor tendonitis (top of foot or hand), posterior or anterior tibialis tendonitis (ankle or shin).[5]

Tendinitis Symptoms

The most common sign of tendinitis is pain at the site of the affected tendon, which may worsen with movement. Other symptoms include:

  • A dull, aching pain near a joint or tendon
  • Tenderness and sensitivity to touch or movement [6]
  • Swelling or mild redness around the area [6]
  • Stiffness and limited range of movement [5]
  • Pain when you flex a joint, like jumping, stepping or holding an item [5]
  • Grating or grinding sensation with joint movement [5]

Ignoring tendon inflammation and pain can worsen your condition and increase the risk of complications, so early management is key.

Tendon Inflammation Pain Causes

Tendinitis typically results from repetitive motions or excessive strain on a tendon. Common causes include:

  • Repetitive movements – such as typing, playing sports, manual labor or overhead reaching [2]
  • Sudden increases in physical activity – extreme exertion, like running longer distances or lifting extra weight without proper conditioning [3]
  • Poor posture or improper technique – which can put extra stress on tendons [2]
  • Aging – as tendons naturally lose flexibility over time [6]
  • Medical conditions – such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, gout or rheumatoid arthritis, can contribute to tendon inflammation [3]
  • Medications – tendonitis is a side effect of cholesterol drugs (statins) and fluoroquinolone antibiotics [3]

Tendinitis Pain Management Treatments

Tendinitis treatment focuses on relieving pain and inflammation through self-care, medication, lifestyle changes, and interventional pain management.

Self-Care for Acute or Chronic Tendon Pain

At-home care includes rest, cold therapy, and over-the-counter (OTC) oral or topical pain relievers. Braces or compression wraps can help immobilize the affected joint and reduce swelling. When in doubt, follow the tried-and-true RICE method: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Tendon Strain

Making adjustments to your daily routine can help prevent further irritation. This may include:

  • Avoiding activities that aggravate your condition
  • Modifying movements at work
  • Maintaining a healthy weight
  • Engaging in gentle exercise

Complementary therapies like massage, chiropractic care, acupuncture, yoga, tai chi, meditation, and physical therapy may also provide relief. When returning to activities or sports, ease in slowly, focusing on proper warm-ups and conditioning to avoid further strain.

Pain Management & Regenerative Medicine

Interventional pain management not only provides relief but also promotes healing with regenerative medicine techniques. A pain specialist may use a combination of therapies for a holistic approach to treating tendinitis. The following options can help reduce inflammation and discomfort while supporting the body’s natural healing process.

  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy
  • Nerve blocks
  • Corticosteroid injections
  • Trigger point injections
  • Joint injections
  • Trigger point dry needling
  • Percutaneous tenotomy
  • Ultrasound or fluoroscopy-guided injections
  • Peripheral nerve blocks
  • Spinal cord stimulation (SCS)
  • Intrathecal pain pump

When to Consult a Pain Care Specialist for Tendonitis

Tendinitis is common, but its pain and inflammation can sideline you at work, home, school, or sports. Whether your tendon pain is acute or chronic, a pain specialist has the tools to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and provide relief. Your doctor will evaluate your tendon pain to create a targeted treatment plan and help prevent long-term damage. Seeking care sooner can speed up recovery and get you back to your daily activities with less pain.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. If you experience severe tendon pain, sudden swelling, an inability to move the affected joint, or hear a popping sound at the time of injury, seek immediate medical attention. These could be signs of a tendon rupture or another serious condition requiring urgent care. Always consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

Resources:

  1. Pietrangelo A. What Is Tendinitis? Healthline [Internet]. Published February 05, 2019. Accessed February 28, 2025. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/tendinitis#
  2. Tendinitis – Symptoms & Causes. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Accessed February 28, 2025. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tendinitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20378243
  3. Tendonitis. Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Accessed February 28, 2025. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10919-tendonitis
  4. Brody B. Arthritis and Tendonitis: What’s the Difference?. Creaky Joints [Internet]. Published July 14, 2021. Accessed February 28, 2025. Available from: https://creakyjoints.org/living-with-arthritis/treatment-and-care/arthritis-vs-tendonitis/
  5. Gower T. Understanding Tendonitis [Internet]. Accessed February 28, 2025. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/understanding-tendinitis-basics
  6. Brazier Y, Kandola A. What to know about tendinitis. Medical News Today [Internet]. Accessed February 28, 2025. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/175596
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