Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Tendons are the strong, flexible bands of connective tissue that attach your muscles to bones. However, if tendons are overused or injured, tiny tears can form, leading to painful inflammation that is felt in various parts of the body. Areas that are prone to tendonitis include fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees, shins and heels. 

Causes and Risk Factors: Tendonitis can happen to people of all ages, but it is more commonly diagnosed in adults who are active and play sports. Older people are also more susceptible to tendonitis since tendons typically lose their elasticity and become weaker as you age. Some other causes and risk factors of tendonitis include: 

• Performing repetitive motions 
• Sudden Injuries 
• Professions that involve repetition of movement, awkward positions or forceful exertion 
• Participating in sports such as tennis, golf, running, swimming, baseball or basketball
• Health conditions like being overweight, having diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis

Symptoms: Symptoms of tendonitis can last anywhere from a few days, several weeks or months and can include the following:

• Persistent pain that worsens with movement
• Feeling the tendon crackle as it moves
• Swelling, heat and redness are signs of inflammation 
• The formation of a lump along the tendon

Treatment: If you have a mild case of tendonitis, here are a few things you can do to treat yourself: 

• Stop doing the activity that triggered your pain
• Get a lot of rest 
• When symptoms become less severe, use the area as you normally would 
• Apply ice packs as needed to reduce pain and swelling; in some cases, heat may help rather than ice

For over 40 years, Medical Rehabilitation Centers of Pennsylvania (MRCP) has been treating patients who have sustained traumatic injuries like severe tendonitis, with high quality physical therapy and medical rehabilitation services. Our team of board certified physicians and licensed physical therapists will work closely alongside you to diagnose and treat your condition as well as continue to monitor your progress until you are back to good health. 

For comprehensive diagnostics and tailor-made physical therapy treatments in and around Philadelphia and the Greater Philadelphia Area, contact MRCP. Visit us at one of our convenient locations or contact us online.