People who have suffered from tendinitis may feel pain and tenderness near the joint. This is a condition commonly caused by the overuse of muscles and tendons, although other factors can cause it. A person will need to see their health care provider to diagnose this condition accurately; however, certain symptoms can provide a clue.
People who suffer from tendinitis will often experience pain and tenderness near the affected area of the body. Sometimes, this pain moves to another area of the body even though it is not the original location of the injury. The movement may be gradual or sudden; however, in most cases, the movement is gradual.
The pain associated with tendinitis may also be accompanied by certain other symptoms, including swelling near the affected area of the body, stiffness in joints that are nearby, redness on the skin around the affected area of the body, warmth on the skin that has reddened due to inflammation, and loss of strength or function in the affected area of the body.
Causes of Tendinitis
Tendinitis is caused by the repetitive use of muscles and ligaments. This condition often affects athletes, especially weightlifters or runners who have not yet developed a proper technique for their sport. Other people may develop this issue after performing repetitive activities without giving their bodies time to rest.
People at greater risk for tendinitis include those who are middle-aged or elderly, as their bodies may not be able to handle the same stress as younger people. Women who are pregnant or who have recently given birth should also avoid activities that could put too much stress on their bodies.
People with certain conditions such as diabetes and obesity may also be more likely to develop tendinitis, especially if they perform repetitive activities regularly. People with a family history of tendinitis may also be more likely to develop this condition.
Signs You're Suffering From Tendinitis
Pain and tenderness around the joint might be a sign of tendinitis. This is especially true if you feel pain when you move your body in a certain direction or engage in activities that stress your muscles, ligaments, or joints. You may also have swelling in the area surrounding the affected muscle or tendon, redness on the skin, warmth on the skin due to inflammation, and a loss of strength or function in the affected area.
Tendinitis is often diagnosed after a doctor determines that an inflammatory disease like rheumatoid arthritis doesn't cause your pain. A good doctor will also determine whether you have tendinitis based on your symptoms and the results of a physical examination. It can sometimes be difficult to diagnose this condition, as it may resemble other conditions such as tendon tear or bursitis; therefore, you should see your doctor as soon as possible if you believe that your pain is caused by tendinitis. Other possible causes for your symptoms include:
- Muscle injury
- Ligament sprain or tear
- Joint injury
- Bone fracture
Receiving Treatment
Your doctor may use a variety of tests to determine whether you have tendinitis, including blood and urine tests. During your physical examination, your doctor will look for the location and severity of pain that you feel and other symptoms such as swelling or redness in the area surrounding the tendon. Your health care provider may also tap on joints near the area where you are experiencing pain to see the tenderness in this area.
If your doctor suspects that you have tendinitis, they most likely will recommend treatments such as rest, physical therapy, and medication to reduce inflammation. If these treatments don't work or are impractical for some reason, your doctor may recommend an injection to reduce inflammation.
If you have tendon rupture, surgical repair might be necessary. In rare cases where a tumor or cyst causes tendinitis, your doctor will most likely refer you to a specialist for further testing and treatment.
Tendinitis is caused by certain conditions that weaken the tendons in your body. The prognosis for this disease varies based on the type of injury. In some cases, patients might experience a full recovery with treatment and rest. In other cases, though, tendinitis may cause permanent damage that limits your range of motion or function in an affected area.