Tendinitis Overview What are the symptoms? What are the causes? Who is at highest risk? When to seek urgent medical care? Diagnosis Treatment options Where to find medical care for Tendinitis? What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)? Possible complications Prevention of Tendinitis Tendinitis On the Web Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov Images of Tendinitis Videos on Tendinitis FDA on Tendinitis CDC on Tendinitis Tendinitis in the news Blogs on Tendinitis Directions to Hospitals Treating Tendinitis Risk calculators and risk factors for Tendinitis For the WikiDoc page for this topic, click here Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ## Contents * 1 Overview * 2 What are the symptoms of Tendinitis? * 3 What causes Tendinitis? * 4 Who is at highest risk? * 5 Diagnosis * 6 When to seek urgent medical care? * 7 Treatment options * 8 Where to find medical care for Tendinitis? * 9 What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)? * 10 Possible complications * 11 Prevention of Tendinitis * 12 Sources ## Overview[edit | edit source] Tendinitis is inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon, which is the fibrous structure that joins muscle to bone. In many cases, tendinosis (tendon degeneration) is also present. ## What are the symptoms of Tendinitis?[edit | edit source] Pain and tenderness along a tendon, usually near a joint Pain at night Pain that is worse with movement or activity ## What causes Tendinitis?[edit | edit source] Tendinitis can occur as a result of injury, overuse, or with aging as the tendon loses elasticity. It can also be seen in persons with body-wide (systemic) diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. Tendinitis can occur in any tendon, but some commonly affected sites include the: * Elbow * Heel (Achilles tendinitis) * Shoulder * Wrist ## Who is at highest risk?[edit | edit source] Tendinitis can also be seen in persons with body-wide (systemic) diseased such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes. ## Diagnosis[edit | edit source] The health care provider will perform a physical exam and look for signs of pain and tenderness when the muscle attached to the tendon is used against resistance. There are specific tests for specific tendons. The tendon can be inflamed, and the overlying skin may be warm and red. ## When to seek urgent medical care?[edit | edit source] Call for an appointment with your health care provider if symptoms of tendinitis occur. ## Treatment options[edit | edit source] The goal of treatment is to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Rest or immobilization of the affected tendons is helpful for recovery. This may be achieved using a splint or a removable brace. The application of heat or cold to the affected area can help. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can also reduce both pain and inflammation. Steroid injections into the tendon sheath can also be very useful in controlling pain and allowing physical therapy to start. Physical therapy that stretches and strengthens the muscle and tendon is essential. This can restore the tendon's ability to function properly, improve healing, and prevent future injury. Rarely, surgery is needed to physically remove the inflammatory tissue from around the tendon. ## Where to find medical care for Tendinitis?[edit | edit source] Directions to Hospitals Treating Tendinitis ## What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?[edit | edit source] Symptoms improve with treatment and rest. If the injury is caused by overuse, a change in work habits may be indicated to prevent recurrence of the problem. ## Possible complications[edit | edit source] * Long-term inflammation raises the risk of further injury, such as rupture * Tendinitis symptoms return ## Prevention of Tendinitis[edit | edit source] * Avoid repetitive motion and overuse of the arms and legs. * Keep all your muscles strong and flexible. * Warm up by exercising at a relaxed pace before engaging in vigorous activity. ## Sources[edit | edit source] http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001229.htm Template:WH Template:WS