About Tendinitis in Children

Tendinitis in children can be a problem, particularly for children who are active in sports. Tendinitis is inflammation of the tissues and tendons that attach muscle to the bones. In many cases, tendinitis is the result of overuse of the muscle and the connecting tendon in major joints. It is possible to have tendinitis at almost any part of the body where muscles are attached to bone, but the most common aspects of this condition are patella (knee) tendinitis, rotator cuff (shoulder) tendinitis and Achilles (ankle) tendinitis.

• Tendinitis is found in the knees, shoulders and ankles.

Achilles Tendinitis

• According to the American Academy of Osteopaedic Surgeons the Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body. Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis include mild pain that gradually worsens with use; noticeable changes in leg speed; periods when pain is severe along the tendon, particularly where it meets bone or the ankle joint; and swelling. It is possible to prevent this type of sports injury by choosing shoes that fit correctly, stretching prior to exercising and focusing attention on warming up muscles before physical activity.

Patella Tendinitis

• Tendinitis of the knee is called patella tendinitis. The patella is the bone that is often called the knee cap. This form of tendinitis is often the result of overusing and overextending the knee joint. Symptoms of patella tendinitis include pain and swelling of the knee joint, particularly in the morning. According to Nationwide Children's Hospital this type of sports injury is most often associated with volleyball and basketball, where the athlete regularly twists and turns the knee joint.

Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

• Rotator cuff tendinitis affects the shoulder joint and is the result of improper mechanics in sports where throwing is required or repetitive shoulder movement is required, such as in swimming. According to Children's Memorial Hospital, the primary symptom of rotator cuff tendinitis is pain in the front and side of the shoulder. Lifting the arm up and over the shoulder can result in sharp pain in the shoulder and up along the upper arm.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosing tendinitis in children often involves a visit to a sports medicine specialist or orthopedic surgeon. According to Children's Memorial Hospital, the doctor will examine the injured joint and test the range of motion of the joint. The doctor may require X-rays, a CT scan or an MRI for further information. Additionally, the doctor will usually ask about a person's injury history and level of physical activities that involve the affected joint.

Treatments

• Treatments for tendinitis in children usually involve a combination of methods. The first line of treatment is usually a prescription for NSAID anti-inflammatory pain relievers, according to Children's Memorial Hospital. The second line of treatment often is physical therapy that includes ultrasound, massage and exercises to strengthen weak muscles. Finally, the last line of treatment may be surgery to repair any tears to ligaments or cartilage.