Tendonitis (tendon inflammation)
About Tendonitis (tendon inflammation)
Painful inflammation of a tendon. Tendons are the fibrous attachments of the muscles to the bones. The inflammation can result from: overuse or over stretching of the tendon, trauma, infection, or inflammatory diseases. The sheath of the tendon can also become inflamed causing tenosynovitis. Common areas for tendinitis include the shoulder, elbow, knee, ankle, wrist, and hand.Symptoms
Pain and tenderness along a tendon, pain is worse with movement or activity, redness of the area over the tendon when there is tenosynovitis.Tests & Diagnostics
A history and physical exam will be performed. Usually no additional tests are needed. Rarely, an MRI may be done to further identify damage or rule out other causes of the symptoms.Common tests: MRI, X-ray.
OTC sleep aids and supportive treatments
Prescription medications
Conventional treatment summary
The goal of therapy is to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Treatment includes: rest, immobilization, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications/NSAIDs (ibuprofen/Motrin or Advil, naproxen/Naprosyn or Aleve), pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), physical therapy, steroid injections. Rarely surgery is needed. If an infection is thought to be the cause antibiotics will be administered.Medical specialties
Orthopedic Surgery · Sports Medicine · Pediatric Sports Medicine · Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Tendonitis (tendon inflammation).