Tendinitis/Tendinosis

Tendinitis is inflammation, irritation, and swelling of a tendon, which is the fibrous structure that joins muscle to bone. In many cases, tendinosis (tendon degeneration) is also present.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Tendinitis can occur as a result of injury, overuse, or with aging as the tendon loses elasticity. It can also be seen in persons with body-wide (system ic) diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes.

Tendinitis can occur in any tendon, but some commonly affected sites include the:

• Elbow
• Heel (Achilles te ndiniti s)
• Shoulder
• Wrist

Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness along a tendon, usually near a joint
• Pain at night
• Pain that is worse with movement or activity

Signs and tests

The health care provider will perform a physical exam and look for signs of pain and tenderness when the muscle attached to the tendon is used against resistance. There are specific tests for specific tendons.

The tendon can be inflamed, and the overlying skin may be warm and red.