Tendonitis

One of the common tendinopathies is Achilles tendinopathy. It is a self-limiting condition for most people and will improve after a period of activity restriction. Only a small proportion of people with Achilles tendinopathy require any formal treatment from a doctor or physiotherapist if the pain does not subside. However, tendons are slow to heal and it may take several weeks or months for complete improvement.

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), another common tendonitis condition, is often caused by repetitive gripping and wrist extension. Tennis elbow results in pain and inflammation on the outer part of the elbow.

Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), similar to tennis elbow but affecting the inner part of the elbow, results from repetitive wrist flexion and gripping activities.

Rotator cuff tendonitis, caused by repetitive overhead arm movements, common in sports like baseball or swimming, can lead to inflammation of the tendons in the shoulder, causing pain and limited mobility. It can also lead to a tear.

Activities that cause your heel pain should be avoided where possible. This may require altering your exercise or recreational activities and a discussion with your employer if you require amended duties. High-impact activities such as running should be limited and a slow, gradual return to these activities is vital when your symptoms start to improve. It is also important to ensure that you are wearing footwear with appropriate cushioning.

We have compared tendonitis to a range of similar conditions, including repetitive strain injuries, bursitis, ligament injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome:

Tendonitis vs Repetitive Strain Injuries

Tendonitis and repetitive strain injuries (RSIs share similarities but differ in scope. Tendonitis specifically refers to the inflammation of tendons, while RSIs encompass a broader category of conditions caused by repetitive movements, including tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and bursitis. While tendonitis is a common component of RSIs, the latter term encompasses a range of musculoskeletal disorders affecting muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves due to repetitive stress.

Tendonitis vs Bursitis

Bursitis involves inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion and reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles. Repetitive movements or pressure on joints can lead to bursitis, resulting in localized pain and swelling. While tendonitis affects tendons, bursitis focuses on the bursae.

Tendon vs Ligament injuries

Ligaments are tough, fibrous tissues connecting bones to each other, providing stability to joints. Injuries to ligaments, such as sprains, occur when these tissues are stretched or torn. Ligament injuries often cause pain, swelling, and joint instability. Unlike tendonitis, which involves tendons, ligament injuries pertain to the structural support of joints.

Tendonitis vs Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a specific type of repetitive strain injury (RSI) affecting the median nerve in the wrist. While tendonitis may be a component of CTS, the condition primarily involves compression of the nerve, leading to symptoms like numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers.

Simple measures to help improve your symptoms include applying a cold compress or ice pack to the affected area during painful episodes. Simple painkiller medications can also provide some relief.

The best way of permanently resolving your Achilles tendinopathy is the use of specialized stretching and strengthening exercises (eccentric), though this can take several months for significant improvement to occur.

For most people, tendonitis can be self-managed. Most important is a period of rest and avoidance of activities that cause pain; this may require alteration to your normal exercise routine.

Where your symptoms are causing significant limitations or have failed to improve after self-treatment measures, you should make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor may advise you on further options for painkillers, exercises or they may refer you to a physiotherapist.

Will a specialist help?

Very occasionally, if your symptoms are severe or very longstanding, your doctor may refer you to a specialist where further treatment options can be considered including shockwave therapy or, as a last resort, surgery.