What Does Tendinitis Feel Like?

Tendinitis is an inflammation and irritation of a tendon, which is a band of fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone. Tendons around the knee, foot, elbow and shoulder are most commonly affected. Tendinitis results in varying degrees of discomfort.

Causes

• Tendinitis can be caused by injury from athletic activities or overuse. It also occurs because of aging as the tendons lose flexibility.

Symptoms

• Pain, tenderness and mild swelling are the primary symptoms of tendinitis. Sometimes tendinitis causes weakness and restricted movement of the muscle attached to the tendon. The area might feel warm and the skin might be red.

Location

• The most common areas of tendinitis pain are the outer or inner side of the forearm near the elbow, just above the heel, just below the kneecap and in the shoulder.

Treatment

• Tendinitis often resolves on its own, particularly if the affected area is rested. Applying ice or heat can help. If the person needs to seek medical treatment, the physician might inject cortisone into the area surrounding the tendon. Rarely, surgery will be necessary.

Considerations

• People with recurring tendinitis will need to change their activities to avoid chronic inflammation that can lead to the more serious complication of tendon rupture, which can be permanently disabling.