Approximately 30% of healthcare visits for musculoskeletal conditions, which involve muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments, are related to tendon issues, including tendonitis. Whether you're an athlete, someone with a physically demanding job, or simply dealing with the repetitive motions of daily life, understanding the causes of tendonitis is essential to maintaining your health and mobility.
At Pittsburgh Hand and Nerve, we specialize in providing expert care in hand and wrist surgery to the Pittsburgh community. Our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to diagnosing and treating a wide range of conditions, including tendonitis, so you can regain strength and functionality. If you’re struggling with tendon pain, contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward relief.
Read on as we uncover the common causes of tendonitis and share actionable tips to prevent this painful condition.
Common Causes of Tendonitis
1. Overuse of Tendons from Repetitive Motions
Repetitive movements—such as typing, painting, or playing sports—place too much stress on your tendons. Over time, this overuse injury can lead to microtears, tendon healing delays, and an inflammatory process that causes tendonitis. Tennis elbow, jumper's knee, and medial or lateral epicondylitis are common conditions caused by repetitive motions.
2. Poor Posture and Improper Ergonomics
Poor posture and suboptimal ergonomic setups can lead to an involved tendon being placed under too much stress during daily activities or work tasks. For example, improper alignment at a desk can strain the rotator cuff tendon, triceps tendon, or bicep tendon, potentially causing tendinitis or even degenerative conditions over a few weeks or months.
3. Incorrect Use of Tools and Equipment
Using tools or equipment improperly, especially in physically demanding industries or while playing sports, may strain the tendon that connects muscles to bones. This improper technique, such as gripping tools awkwardly or applying excessive force, can lead to injuries like rotator cuff tendonitis, tennis elbow, or a torn tendon.
4. Lack of Warm-Ups or Breaks During Physical Activity
Skipping warm-ups before physical activity or not taking breaks during repetitive tasks increases your risk of tendon injuries, such as Achilles tendinopathy or bicep tendonitis. Proper preparation and recovery help reduce inflammation and allow the healing tendon to strengthen.
5. Underlying Diseases or Conditions That Cause Tendon Pain
Certain medical conditions, like diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, predispose individuals to tendonitis. These conditions can weaken the tendon attachment points, slow tendon healing, and contribute to degenerative conditions. Other risk factors, such as calcium deposits or difficulty moving the involved tendon, may worsen the injury.
Symptoms of Tendonitis
Tendonitis symptoms often vary but share common signs that can help identify the condition early. Recognizing these symptoms can aid in choosing the best treatment for prevention and recovery.
- Pain and tenderness near a joint, especially during repetitive movements
- Swelling or thickening of the injured area
- Stiffness in the joint, especially after inactivity or a few days of rest
- Burning sensation, discomfort, or other symptoms around the injured tendon
- Weakness or difficulty moving the affected area
Prevention Strategies for Tendonitis
- Practice Rest and Recovery
Allow your tendons to recover from too much stress by incorporating rest periods into your routine.
- Stretching and Strengthening
Regular stretching and eccentric strengthening exercises improve tendon flexibility to prevent tendonitis and reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
- Invest in Ergonomics
Adjust your workstation to minimize strain on your musculoskeletal system and involved tendons, encouraging less stress and better alignment.
- Warm Up Properly
Prepare your tendons and muscles before physical activity with dynamic stretches to reduce inflammation and support healing tendons.
- Learn Proper Tool Handling
Using the right techniques and reducing repetitive movements can lower the chances of injuries like tennis elbow or jumper's knee.
Tendon Injury, Tendon Problems: When to Seek Treatment
If you feel pain in an injured tendon, such as the Achilles tendon, or experience persistent inflammation, difficulty moving, or other symptoms lasting longer than a few weeks, it’s time to seek help. A physical exam with a healthcare provider or sports medicine specialist can identify the problem. The Achilles tendon connects muscle to bone, and when you’re dealing with an inflamed tendon, proper treatment is essential for recovery.
At Pittsburgh Hand and Nerve, we specialize in diagnosing and treating tendon problems, from rotator cuff injuries to Achilles tendinopathy. Whether you need help managing overuse injuries, degenerative conditions, or pain from sports injuries, we’re here to provide customized care for long-term relief.
Treatment options include working with a physical therapist, physical therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroid injections, shock wave therapy, and imaging tests to guide recovery. For severe cases, such as a torn tendon, other treatments may be required to restore tendon healing and functionality.
Treatment Options
Elbow tendonitis often improves with rest and self-care, but if pain persists, professional treatment may be necessary. A doctor might recommend physical therapy to strengthen and stretch forearm muscles, especially through targeted exercises like eccentric movements. If you're looking to treat tendonitis effectively, using a forearm strap or brace can also help reduce strain on the affected tendon.
For more severe cases, the following procedures can promote healing:
- Injections, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), Botox, or prolotherapy
- Dry needling
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy:
- Uses concentrated platelets from your blood
- Accelerates tissue repair and reduces pain
Surgery may be neededif non-surgical options fail after 6–12 months:
- Removes damaged tissue through traditional or minimally invasive techniques
- Rehabilitation is crucial for post-surgery recovery
If you're experiencing symptoms, don’t wait — schedule an appointment with Dr. Spiess to start your personalized treatment plan today!
Prioritize Your Tendon Health
Tendonitis can significantly impact your quality of life, but adopting proper prevention techniques and seeking timely treatment can make a difference. At Pittsburgh Hand and Nerve, we offer expert care to alleviate tendon pain and restore function.
Don’t wait to take the first step toward relief. Schedule an appointment with Pittsburgh Hand and Nerve today to explore our specialized tendonitis treatment solutions and get back to doing what you love, pain-free.
