A tendon is a thick band of fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone, which allows muscles to move the bone. With overuse or injury, tendons can become torn, damaged or inflamed, resulting in tendinitis. The Mayo Clinic states that tendinitis is most common in physically active people, especially those who perform repetitive movements with a specific joint. For example, tennis players are prone to developing tendinitis because of their repetitive arm movement. A patient with tendinitis should be aware the symptoms of this condition.
Pain
The most common symptom associated with tendinitis is pain, according to the Mayo Clinic. Pain will occur along the tendon that is affected, especially with movement. In addition, patients report that pain is usually worse at night, states Medline Plus, a publication of the National Institutes of Health. The doctor will ask about possible causes of a patient's pain, and will perform a physical exam to rule out other causes. Once tendinitis is diagnosed, he will likely tell the patient to rest, apply ice, take anti-inflammatory medication and perform specific exercises that will help heal the damaged tendon.
Tenderness
A patient with tendinitis will likely experience tenderness along the tendon that is damaged, according to Medline Plus. A patient may experience this tenderness when touching the point where the tendon attaches to bone. A doctor will also look for tenderness along the tendon and related muscle and bone. Treatments for tenderness include ice, rest and anti-inflammatory medications.
Mild Swelling
The Mayo Clinic also states that swelling may occur along the damaged tendon. Swelling occurs because chemical signals cause fluid to move into the area that is damaged. This excess fluid can increase the pressure around the area of the damaged tendon and result in pain and swelling. Any patient experiencing swelling along a tendon should consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment. In addition to elevating the tendon to reduce swelling, the patient should ice the tendon, rest the tendon and take doctor-recommended medications. Physical therapy or a home exercise program may also be prescribed to reduce this symptom.
