Why tendonitis is painful

You can also choose to book appointments privately. If physiotherapy does not help, you may be referred to a doctor who specialises in muscles and bones orthopaedic specialist or a local musculoskeletal clinic. Tendonitis is usually caused by sudden, sharp movements or repetitive exercise, such as running, jumping or throwing. Tendonitis can also be caused by repetitive movements, or having poor posture or technique while at work or when playing a sport. This is known as repetitive strain injury RSI.

You cannot always prevent tendonitis. But there are things you can do to help reduce the chance of a tendon injury. Page last reviewed: 15 July Next review due: 15 July It can cause joint pain, stiffness, and affect how a tendon moves.

How to treat tendonitis yourself Follow these steps for 2 to 3 days to help manage pain and to support the tendon. Rest : try to avoid moving the tendon for 2 to 3 days. Ice : put an ice pack or try a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a tea towel on the tendon for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours. Support : wrap an elastic bandage around the area, use a tube bandage, or use a soft brace. It is important that you do not to return to exercising until your symptoms have resolved.

Your physical therapist or doctor can recommend proper stretching and strengthening techniques. They may also advise you to modify your biomechanics how you perform certain activities. What is tendonitis? What causes tendonitis? Who gets tendonitis? What are the symptoms of tendonitis? Where does tendonitis occur? What are the treatment options for tendonitis? When should I see a doctor for tendonitis? How do I prevent tendonitis from returning?

Articles related to tendonitis Read in-depth discussions of different forms of tendonitis and potential treatments. Back in the Game patient stories. In-person and virtual physician appointments. Book online. Urgent Ortho Care. Same-day in-person or virtual appointments. Get care.

Some forms of tendinitis are named after certain sports e. Tendinitis often results from sports injuries or repetitive movements. But it can also be caused by:. Tendinitis causes inflammation, tenderness and pain in areas around a joint, such as the tendons, ligaments and muscles.

Some types can occur suddenly, last for days or longer. The pain is worse with movement and usually get better with rest or treatment. Tendinitis symptoms can re-occur in the same area of the body. Tendinitis may go away over time. If not, the doctor will recommend treatments to reduce pain and inflammation and preserve mobility. Severe symptoms may require specialized treatment from a rheumatologist, an orthopaedic surgeon or a physical therapist.

Treatment options include:. Because tendinitis is usually caused by overuse, the best way to prevent it from occurring again is to avoid or modify activities that cause the problem. A physical or occupational therapist can provide suggestions on modifying daily activities. Range-of-motion exercises can help to improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.

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