Tendinitis and Tendinopathy – Causes and Treatment
Tendinitis and tendinopathy are conditions in which a tendon becomes irritated or overloaded and painful. They often affect the shoulder, elbow, knee and Achilles tendon and usually respond to suitable loading and therapy.
What tendinitis and tendinopathy are
Tendons connect muscles to bones and transmit force during movement. When the load exceeds the tendon’s ability to adapt, it can become painful. The term tendinitis means inflammation, but in long-standing problems changes in the tendon’s structure often predominate, which is why the term tendinopathy is now used more often.
Typically the pain appears at a specific site, for example the Achilles tendon, the kneecap, the shoulder or the elbow. It is often worse at the start of movement or the next morning, eases after warming up, and returns after loading.
In most people tendon complaints improve with gradual loading and changes to training habits. Recovery can take weeks to months, especially in long-standing cases.
Common causes
- a sudden increase in training intensity or volume
- repetitive movements in sport or at work
- insufficient recovery between loads
- low strength or poor movement technique
- unsuitable or worn footwear and equipment
- age and some general conditions, such as diabetes
How it feels
- pain along the tendon
- stiffness in the morning or after rest
- tenderness when pressing on the tendon
- pain that increases with load
- sometimes mild swelling or thickening
- reduced strength in the affected movement
How we can help
We start with a thorough assessment of the affected tendon, your strength and movement technique. At the core of the plan is therapeutic exercise for gradual loading, supported by manual therapy, therapeutic massage, and shockwave, laser, ultrasound, TECAR or kinesiology taping to ease pain. If needed, we will refer you to a specialist.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor right away for sudden sharp pain with a snapping sensation, inability to use the limb, or a visible gap along the tendon, which may mean a rupture. Also seek advice for marked swelling, redness and warmth with fever, or if the pain does not improve after a few weeks.
This page is for information only and does not replace an assessment by a specialist.