Health Topics for Sports Medicine

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery

UI Family Care

Tendonitis

Tendons attach muscles to bones. Tendonitis is an overuse injury that develops slowly in the tendons. Tiny tears occur to a tendon when it is constantly overworked. The tendon becomes irritated resulting in swelling, heat, redness, and pain.

Sports that involve running and jumping can cause tendonitis in the knee, foot, or the calf. Tendonitis in the knees can also occur from biking. Swimming, swinging a golf club, or pitching a ball can cause tendonitis in the shoulder. Tendonitis may also occur from repeated motion such as typing or using a hammer.

Often people try to endure the pain. They hope that it will simply go away. More serious symptoms may begin after these early symptoms are ignored. Occasional pain will change to constant aching, pain, and stiffness before, during, and after exercise. The pain gets worse and the tendon becomes tender to touch.

What you can do:

• Temporarily stop the activity that is causing the problem.

• Do 20-minute ice massage sessions on and off for 48 to 72 hours.

• Take ibuprofen or aspirin to relieve pain and inflammation. These medications should not be taken without approval from your healthcare provider if you have an ulcer, kidney problems, an allergy to aspirin, or are on a blood-thinning medication.

• Stretch to restore flexibility.

• Continue aerobic activity that does not stress or cause pain to the injured area.

• Do strengthening exercises, but only after symptoms are gone.

• Cross train. Instead of doing only one sport, try swimming, rowing, jogging, biking, or skiing to prevent overuse injuries.

Causes of tendonitis vary. Wearing worn-out shoes, poor conditioning, or training mistakes are major factors, as are body problems like having bowlegs, one leg shorter than the other, or flat feet. The most common cause of tendonitis is increasing the duration or intensity of exercise too quickly.

Seek medical care if the problem does not clear up within two weeks. Treatment and a recovery program are necessary for healing. Irritated tendons can rupture if left untreated. When this happens, a cast or surgery is needed. A recovery program should maintain or improve the person's pre-injury fitness. Be sure it includes strength, flexibility, and endurance activities.

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