Have you ever felt a sharp pain in your elbow, shoulder, or knee? Does this pain seem to increase when you continue to do the same type of work, work in the garden, or play sports? Many people think that this is a normal sprain or just a sore limb, but it is very likely that this is a condition called 'Tendonitis'. Today, we will talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.
Simply put, what is Tendonitis?
Imagine that there are strong bands that connect the muscles in our body to the bones. Like a strong rope. This is what we call a 'tendon'. When we move our limbs, walk, run, or lift a weight, these tendons are what help us perform those movements by transferring the strength of the muscles to the bones.
So, if for some reason one of these tendons gets damaged and becomes swollen or inflamed, that is what we call tendinitis. This can be caused by repetitive strain or an accident. This pain can go away after a while, or it can become chronic.
Are there types of tendinitis?
Yes, there are several types of tendinitis, depending on where the condition occurs and the activity that causes it. Most of the time, these names are related to sports. But that doesn't mean that only athletes get them.
| Type name | Affected area | Who usually gets it? |
|---|---|---|
| Tennis elbow | The outside of the elbow | It can occur not only in tennis players, but also in those who frequently turn their wrists , such as carpenters and painters. |
| Golfer's elbow | The inside of the elbow | It can occur in golfers, weight lifters, and those who work with their hands clenched tightly. |
| Pitcher's shoulder / Swimmer's shoulder | Shoulder | It is common in people who play sports that require the arm to be carried above the shoulder, such as baseball, swimming, and volleyball. |
| Jumper's knee | Knee (below the kneecap) | It often occurs in people who play sports that involve frequent jumping, such as basketball and volleyball, and in people who run. |
How do you know if you have tendinitis?
The main symptom of tendinitis is pain, but there may be several other symptoms as well.
- Pain in and around the tendon. This pain may start as a dull ache and gradually worsen, especially when moving the joint.
- Difficulty moving the affected joint, feeling stiff.
- A popping sound or a feeling of something twisting inside the joint when it moves.
- Swelling in the affected area. Sometimes the skin in that area may turn red/purple and the hand may feel warm.
While some people experience this pain gradually, others may experience a sudden, severe attack. The pain can come on suddenly, especially if there are calcium deposits around the tendon.
Why do we get tendinitis? Who is at higher risk?
There are several causes that can cause tendinitis.
Main reasons
- Repeated use of the same movement: This is the main cause. Imagine typing on a computer all day, or hoeing in the garden, or throwing a cricket ball in the same way. When you put constant strain on the same tendon, it can become damaged.
- Accident or strain: A tendon can be damaged by lifting a heavy object suddenly, falling, or making a sudden movement while playing sports.
- Poor posture: Maintaining poor posture while working, lifting, or exercising puts unnecessary strain on some tendons.
Other factors that increase risk
- Age: Generally, after the age of 40, the elasticity of our tendons decreases slightly. Therefore, even the slightest exertion increases the risk of damage.
- Certain medical conditions: People with conditions such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and gout are at higher risk of developing tendinitis.
- Certain medications: Tendinitis can also be a side effect of certain cholesterol-lowering drugs (statins) and some antibiotics (fluoroquinolone antibiotics). If you have any concerns about the medications you are taking, talk to your doctor.
What happens if we ignore this?
Tendinitis is not something to be ignored as a simple sprain. If not treated properly, the condition can become serious.
Things that can happen if ignored are:
- Chronic pain (Chronic tendonitis): Pain that persists without decreasing. A dull ache is felt with every movement.
- Difficulty moving: A condition where the affected joint cannot be fully moved due to pain or tendon stiffness.
- Tendon rupture: This is the most serious complication. As the tendon continues to be damaged, it can completely tear. In that case, surgery is often required.
- Muscle weakness: The muscle associated with the tendon may gradually weaken as the tendon does not function properly.
How do you find this, Doctor?
When you see a doctor, they will first ask you about your symptoms. They will ask you how the pain started, when it gets worse, what kind of work or hobbies you do, etc. Then, they will examine the area where the pain is.
Most of the time, this test can diagnose the disease, but sometimes several tests may be done to confirm if there is another problem.
- X-ray: An X-ray can help to see if there is another problem with the bones, such as a fracture.
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): An MRI scan can provide a very clear view of the condition of the tendon, the extent of damage, and whether it has been torn.
What are the treatments for tendinitis?
Treatment methods can be divided into two main categories: first, things we can do at home, and then medical treatment.
Things to do first
- Rest: This is the most important thing . Avoid activities that cause pain completely. Give that joint a rest.
- Ice: To reduce pain and swelling, apply an ice pack (wrapped in a thin cloth) for 15-20 minutes several times a day.
- Painkillers: Pain and swelling can be controlled with paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines, which can be taken as directed by your doctor .
Treatments the doctor will give if the condition does not improve
If the pain doesn't subside after a few weeks, your doctor may recommend treatments such as:
- Corticosteroid injections: These are steroid injections that are injected directly into the area around the painful tendon. This helps reduce swelling and pain quickly.
- Physical therapy: This is also a very important treatment. A physical therapist will teach you special exercises that will strengthen the tendon and increase the range of motion of that joint. Eccentric loading exercises, which gradually apply weight to the tendon, are very effective for this.
- Surgery: This is done very rarely. Surgery is only considered in severe cases, such as when the tendon has completely torn, where no other treatment has helped.
When should you definitely see a doctor?
If it's a normal pain, it may subside with a few days of rest. However, if you have the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
| Feature to pay attention to | Why should you be especially careful? |
|---|---|
| Fever (over 38 Celsius/100 Fahrenheit) | This could be a sign of an infection in the body, which requires prompt treatment. |
| Severe swelling, redness, and warmth | This could also be an infection or a severe inflammatory condition. |
| Inability to move the affected joint at all | This may be due to a complete tear of the tendon or other serious damage. |
| Pain in several parts of the body at once | This may be a symptom of another underlying medical condition. |
How can you prevent tendinitis from recurring?
Tendinitis is a condition that can recur, so prevention is very important.
- Maintain proper posture: Keep your back straight while sitting, standing, and working. When lifting, bend your knees and lift the weight close to your body.
- Don't stay in the same position: If you work in an office, get up at least every half hour, walk around a bit, and stretch your arms and legs.
- Adjust your work environment: If you work on a computer, keep your chair, desk, and monitor at a comfortable height for you.
- Stop if you feel pain: If you feel pain while doing an activity, don't force it. Rest.
Remember these things before exercising or playing sports
- Warm up well: Before starting any exercise or game, do a 5-10 minute warm-up.
- Stretch: After exercising, do stretching exercises that stretch the relevant muscles and tendons.
- Start gradually: Don't start strenuous exercise all at once. Gradually increase the duration and intensity of your exercise.
- Use the right equipment: Use the right size shoes, clothing, and other equipment for your sport or exercise.
Take-Home Message
- Tendinitis is the swelling or inflammation of the tendons that connect muscles to bones. Don't ignore this as a simple sprain.
- This can be mainly caused by things like repetitive motion, accidents, and poor posture.
- Pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the joint are the main symptoms.
- Rest, ice, and painkillers as directed by your doctor are the first line of treatment. However, if the pain persists for several weeks , you should definitely see a doctor.
- Maintaining correct posture and warming up thoroughly before exercise can prevent this condition from recurring.
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