Health Library

Tendinitis is irritation and swelling of a tendon. Tendons are strong tissues that connect muscle to bone.

Tendinitis can happen in any tendon. The most common places for it are:

1. The shoulder tendon. This includes the biceps tendon and rotator cuff.
2. The ankle tendon, also called the Achilles tendon.
3. Elbow tendons.
4. Wrist tendons.

What are the causes?

Tendinitis may be caused by:

1. Using a tendon or muscle too much. This is the most common cause.
2. Aging.
3. Injury.
4. Swelling from arthritis.
5. Certain medicines.

What increases the risk?

You may get tendinitis if you do the same movements again and again.

What are the signs or symptoms?

1. Pain.
2. Tenderness.
3. Mild swelling.
4. Trouble moving the affected area.

How is this diagnosed?

You may be diagnosed with a physical exam. You may also have tests, such as:

1. An ultrasound.
2. An MRI.

How is this treated?

Treatment may include:

1. RICE therapy. This stands for resting, icing, applying pressure (compression), and raising (elevating) the tendon above the level of your heart.
2. Medicines. These may help with pain and swelling.
3. Exercises or physical therapy. These can help you move better and get stronger.
4. A brace or splint to support the area.
5. Shots of cortisone.
6. Surgery. This is rare. It may be done only if other treatments don't work.

Follow these instructions at home:

If you have a splint or brace:

1. Wear the splint or brace as told. Take it off only if your health care provider says you can.
2. Check the skin around it every day. Tell your provider if you see problems.
3. Loosen the splint or brace if your fingers or toes tingle, are numb, or turn cold and blue.
4. Keep the splint or brace clean.

If the splint or brace isn't waterproof:

1.   Do not let it get wet.

2.   Cover it when you take a bath or shower. Use a cover that doesn't let any water in.

Managing pain, stiffness, and swelling

A.  Use ice or an ice pack as told.

1. If you have a splint or brace that you can take off, remove it only as told.
2. Place a towel between your skin and the ice.
3. Leave the ice on for 20 minutes, 2–3 times a day.

B.  Use heat as told.

C.  Use the heat source that your provider recommends, such as a moist heat pack or a heating pad. Do this as often as told.

1. Place a towel between your skin and the heat source.
2. Leave the heat on for 20–30 minutes.

D.  If your skin turns red, take off the ice or heat right away to prevent skin damage. The risk of damage is higher if you can't feel pain, heat, or cold.

E.  Move your fingers or toes often to reduce stiffness and swelling.

F.   Raise the affected body part above the level of your heart while you're sitting or lying down. Use pillows as needed.

Activity

1. Rest the affected area as told.
2. Ask when it's safe to drive if you have a splint or brace on your arm or leg.
3. Try not to use the affected area while you have symptoms of tendinitis.
4. Do exercises as told.
5. Ask what things are safe for you to do at home. Ask when you can go back to work or school.

General instructions

1. Wear an elastic bandage or compression wrap only as told.
2. Take your medicines only as told.
3. Keep all follow-up visits. Your provider will check to see if the treatment is working.

Contact a health care provider if:

1. Your symptoms don't get better.
2. Your symptoms get worse.
3. You get new symptoms, such as numbness in your hands or feet.

This information is not intended to replace advice given to you by your health care provider. Make sure you discuss any questions you have with your health care provider.