Tendonitis: The Uninvited Guest That Just Won't Leave

By: Kelsie Mazur, DPT 

This week, we’re tackling the pesky issue of tendonitis—the uninvited guest that crashes the party, usually refusing to leave. Whether it’s your elbow, shoulder, or knee that’s feeling the burn, tendonitis can put a serious damper on your activities. But don’t worry! I’m here to help you evict this visitor with effective strategies and tips for recovery. Let’s dive into what tendonitis is, its common causes, what is a full tendon rupture, and how we can work together to get you back on your feet!

First, I’d like to briefly mention that tendonitis is a term that is thrown around quite often and is used frequently for describing inflammation of a tendon in the physical therapy and orthopedic doctor world. Recently, literature and healthcare practitioners are choosing to use the term tendinopathy instead of tendonitis, as tendinopathy more broadly refers to any painful issue with a tendon. I know the title of the blog says tendonitis instead of tendinopathy, this is only to make terms easier and not confuse the reader.

Let’s briefly discuss the difference between tendons and ligaments. A tendon is a strong, rope-like tissue that connects to a single bone on one end, while the other end branches out into your muscles. When you want to move, your muscles contract, pulling on the tendons, which then causes the bones to shift. Tendons are essential for allowing your muscles to exert force on your bones, enabling your joints to bend and your limbs to move. Ligaments, on the other hand, act as the connective ropes between bones. They are also rope-like tissues that secure the ends of two bones together. Ligaments keep your joints stable, preventing the bones from slipping out of place during movement. As your tendon pulls a bone to facilitate movement, ligaments ensure that the other bone stays securely in its joint. In general, ligaments attach at the ends of bones, while tendons connect slightly further down the bone.

Tendinopathy injuries made simple:

Let me break down the difference between tearing a tendon and inflicting a tendon injury, and how do you know which group you belong to? Typically, you’ll know when you’ve torn a tendon because it happens suddenly and you feel it right away. My weekend warriors, my old timers playing pick up basketball….. You’re most at risk for this type of tendon injury. While it can occur during intense physical activity, many people experience a tear simply by moving in an awkward way, usually without warming up properly or inflicting stress on the tendon that the body simply was not ready for. And sometimes, the wrong motion at the wrong moment is all it takes to cause a tendon tear. If the tear is complete, that’s a serious issue. Interestingly, a complete tear might not hurt as much as a partial tear, depending on the tendon and the location in the body. 

On the other hand, Tendinopathies, or tendonitis is a condition that happens when a tendon—the thick, rope-like tissue that connects muscles to bones—becomes irritated or inflamed. This irritation often causes pain and discomfort in the affected area, making it hard to move normally. Tendonitis usually develops from repetitive movements or overuse, like when you play sports, do certain jobs, or perform the same activities over and over. It can occur in various parts of the body, such as the elbow, shoulder, knee, or wrist. People with tendonitis might notice pain, swelling, and stiffness, especially when they try to use the affected limb. The good news is that with guided rest from your physical therapist, physical therapy exercises, and proper treatment, most people can recover and get back to their usual activities. 

Tendonitis can be a pesky injury to get rid of for several reasons. It often develops gradually and can become a chronic issue, requiring ongoing management rather than a quick fix. (Life lesson: there is usually never a quick fix for any injury). Activities that contributed to the injury, such as sports or repetitive tasks, may continue in daily life, increasing the risk of reinjury and hindering full recovery. Resting the affected tendon is crucial, but for active individuals, limiting movement or altering routines can be a challenge. Many people may not seek help immediately or may use ineffective home remedies, prolonging their recovery. Additionally, factors like age, overall health, and existing conditions can complicate the healing process and make tendons more susceptible to inflammation. Symptoms can also vary widely among individuals, making it difficult to find effective treatments, as what works for one person might not work for another, therefore physical therapy is usually very person-specific. Ultimately, healing from tendonitis takes time and a multifaceted approach, including physical therapy, strengthening exercises, and often, a lot of patience.

If you or someone you know is dealing with tendonitis, or if you’ve been diagnosed and are unsure where to turn for help, it’s important to seek guidance. Navigating the path to recovery can be challenging, but you don’t have to do it alone! Remember, addressing tendonitis early and with the right approach can make all the difference in your recovery. Don’t hesitate to reach out for assistance to me here kelsie@wattagept.com for a free injury screen where I can take a look at what is causing you pain.