tendinitis

What is Tendinitis?

Tendinitis, also spelled as tendinitis, is a condition characterized by inflammation or irritation of a tendon, which is a thick, rope-like tissue that attaches a bone to a muscle. This condition usually occurs after a repetitive strain or overuse injury.

Causes and Risk Factors

Tendinitis can be caused by repetitive motion injuries, such as those experienced in sports like tennis, golf, swimming, or jumping. It can also be due to an infection or inflammatory disease. Age is another factor that increases the risk of developing tendinitis, with people over 40 being more likely to experience it, especially after menopause.

Symptoms

The symptoms of tendinitis include:

• Pain and tenderness along a tendon, usually near a joint
• Pain at night
• Pain that worsens with movement or activity
• Stiffness in the morning

Common Affected Areas

Tendinitis commonly affects areas such as the shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and heels. Some specific forms of tendinitis are named after sports that increase their risk, including tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, pitcher's shoulder, swimmer's shoulder, and jumper's knee.

Diagnosis

Doctors diagnose tendinitis based on a patient's medical history, physical exam, and imaging tests.

References:

• [2] Tendonitis (tendinitis) is the inflammation or irritation of a tendon that makes it swell.
• [3] Tendinitis is the inflammation of a tendon caused by repetitive overuse or injury.
• [11] Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon, causing pain and tenderness near joints, often due to overuse or injury.
• [13] Tendonitis (also spelled tendinitis) is inflammation of a tendon resulting in pain, swelling, and the loss of joint function.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Tendinitis

Tendinitis, also known as tendonitis, is a condition characterized by inflammation of the tendons, which are strong fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones. The symptoms of tendinitis can vary depending on the location and severity of the condition.

Main Symptoms:

• Pain and Tenderness: Pain and tenderness in the affected tendon, which is often worse when you move it [1][3][7]
• Swelling: Swelling and inflammation around the affected area or joint [2][4][8]
• Limited Motion: Limited or loss of motion in the affected joint or area [5][15]

Additional Symptoms:

• Dull Ache or Pain: Dull ache or pain near or at a joint, which can be chronic or sudden and sharp [14]
• Warmth and Redness: Warmth, tenderness, and redness around the affected area [4][14]
• Stiffness: Stiffness in the morning or after periods of rest [9]

Symptoms by Location:

• Shoulder Tendinitis: Pain and stiffness in the shoulder, arm, or hand [10][11]
• Elbow Tendinitis: Pain and tenderness around the elbow joint [2]
• Knee Tendinitis: Pain and swelling around the knee joint [13]

It's essential to note that these symptoms can vary depending on the individual and the severity of the condition. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [2] - Context result 2 [3] - Context result 3 [4] - Context result 4 [5] - Context result 15 [7] - Context result 7 [8] - Context result 8 [9] - Context result 9 [10] - Context result 10 [11] - Context result 11 [13] - Context result 13 [14] - Context result 14 [15] - Context result 15

Diagnostic Tests for Tendinitis

Tendinitis can be diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and various diagnostic tests.

• Physical Exam: A thorough physical exam is usually the first step in diagnosing tendinitis. This involves taking a complete medical history, asking about symptoms, and performing a physical examination to check for signs of tendinitis such as swelling, redness, or pain in the affected area [1].
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions that may be causing the symptoms. These tests include:
  • X-rays: While tendons cannot be seen on an X-ray, this test can help check for arthritis or other bone-related issues [6].
  • MRI scans: Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans are often used to determine tendon thickening and tears [5].
  • Ultrasound: An ultrasound scan may also be ordered to help diagnose tendinitis [5].
• Other Tests: In some cases, additional tests such as blood tests or nerve conduction studies may be ordered to rule out other conditions that may be causing the symptoms.

It's worth noting that a diagnosis of tendinitis is usually confirmed based on a complete medical history and physical examination [4]. A healthcare provider will take a thorough medical history and perform a physical exam to diagnose tendonitis after other diagnostic tests have been ruled out [3].

References: [1] Context result 1 [2] Context result 2 (not used) [3] Context result 3 [4] Context result 4 [5] Context result 5 [6] Context result 6

Treatment Options for Tendinitis

Tendinitis, an inflammatory condition affecting the tendons, can be managed with various treatment options. The primary goal is to reduce pain and inflammation, allowing the tendon to heal.

• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Over-the-counter oral or topical NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, or trolamine, are effective in reducing swelling and pain in the tendon [4]. These medications can be administered topically or orally.
• Corticosteroid Injections: Corticosteroids work quickly to decrease inflammation and pain in the tendon. However, their use is typically reserved for more severe cases or when other treatments have failed [3].
• Physical Therapy: A combination of rest, physical therapy, and pain relief medication can help alleviate symptoms of tendinitis [7].

Commonly Used Medications

Some commonly used medications to treat tendinitis include:

• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Ibuprin, Nuprin)
• Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve)
• Indomethacin (Indocin, Indochron E-R)

Important Considerations

It's essential to note that while medication can provide relief from symptoms, it may not address the underlying cause of tendinitis. In some cases, drug-induced tendinopathy can occur due to long-term treatment with certain medications, such as fluoroquinolones or glucocorticoids [8].

References:

[1] Drugs used to treat Tendonitis ; Generic name: naproxen systemic; Brand names: Aleve, Naprosyn, Naprelan, Aflaxen, All Day Pain Relief, Flanax Pain Reliever, All ... [2] Sep 19, 2023 — Tendonitis Medication · Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Ibuprin, Nuprin) · Naproxen (Naprosyn, Aleve) · Indomethacin (Indocin, Indochron E-R). [3] Corticosteroid injections: Corticosteroids (often called “steroids”) work quickly to decrease the inflammation and pain in your tendon. Physical therapy: ... [4] NSAIDs reduce the swelling and pain in the tendon. Over-the-counter oral or topical NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, or trolamine, adequately ... [5] by BM Andres · 2008 · Cited by 766 — The mainstays of treatment have included rest, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and periodic local corticosteroid injections. There are two ... [6] Sep 19, 2023 — Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective in relieving tendinopathy pain, and may be administered topically or orally. However ... [7] Many people find that a few weeks of rest, pain relief medication, and physical therapy are all they need to relieve symptoms of bursitis or tendinitis. [8] Sep 5, 2024 — Drug-induced tendinopathy is most commonly associated with fluoroquinolones, long-term treatment with glucocorticoids, statins and aromatase ... [9] Result: | male | female | all nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents | 48% | 28% | 36% narcotic analgesic combinations | 31% | 34% | 33% HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors | 41% | 11% | 24% thyroid drugs | 0.6% | 17% | 10% cardioselective beta blockers | 21% | 0.06% | 8.9% (up to 8 drugs prescribed or renewed during a health care provider visit; data may not include preexisting drug regimens; estimates based on NAMCS and NHAMCS, 2006 to 2007)

Differential Diagnosis of Tendinitis

Tendinitis, also known as tendinopathy, is a complex condition that can be challenging to diagnose. The differential diagnosis for tendinitis involves considering various other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

• Muscle Contusion: A muscle contusion, also known as a muscle bruise, can cause pain and swelling in the affected area, similar to tendinitis [4].
• Ligamentous Injury: A ligamentous injury, such as a sprain, can also present with pain and swelling, making it difficult to distinguish from tendinitis [4].
• Nerve Compression: Nerve compression or entrapment can cause pain and numbness in the affected area, which may be mistaken for tendinitis [4].
• Tumor: In rare cases, a tumor can cause pain and swelling in the affected area, leading to a differential diagnosis of tendinitis [4].
• Bursitis: Bursitis, an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints and bones, can also present with pain and swelling, similar to tendinitis [5].
• Osteomyelitis: Osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone, can cause pain and swelling in the affected area, which may be mistaken for tendinitis [4].
• Compartment Syndrome: Compartment syndrome, a condition where pressure builds up within a muscle compartment, can cause pain that worsens with activity, similar to tendinitis [7].

It's essential to note that tendinitis is often associated with pain, decreased function, and exercise tolerance [2]. A thorough medical examination, imaging studies (such as ultrasound or MRI), and a detailed patient history are necessary to accurately diagnose tendinitis and rule out other differential diagnoses.

References: [1] Not applicable [2] The common belief is that impingement of the supraspinatus tendon leads to supraspinatus tendonitis [3]. [3] Supraspinatus tendonitis is often associated with shoulder impingement syndrome [3]. [4] Aug 31, 2022 — Differential Diagnosis · Muscle contusion · Ligamentous Injury · Nerve compression · Tumor · Bursitis · Osteomyelitis · Compartment syndrome ... [5] by MAM Pabón · 2023 — Differential Diagnosis · Retrocalcaneal bursitis: easily identified on ultrasound or MRI. · Achilles tendon rupture: positive Thompson test. [6] Sep 11, 2023 — Distinguished by swelling and tenderness of affected tendon, and pain during movement. May occur on any tendon in the body, but usually occurs ... [7] The main differential diagnostic sign is that pain gets worse with activity and does not warm up with activity, similar to compartment syndrome. Ultrasound is ...