A tendon is a tough, fibrous band of tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone and help move a joint. As a person ages, the tendons weaken and can easily become inflamed. This inflammation, also referred to as tendonitis, causes pain and a decreased range of motion. Treatment for an injured tendon includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. Some areas of the body are more prone to injury to the tendons due to repetitive use and strain placed on a joint.
Shoulder
The shoulder muscles and tendons working together to rotate joint and move the arm. Repetitive arm movements, especially by athletes, or injuries from falling and lifting heavy objects can injure the tendons in the shoulder. Symptoms of a rotator cuff injury include pain in the shoulder and weakness in the affected arm.
Elbow
Pain and inflammation to the tendons in the elbow, also referred to as golfer's elbow or tennis elbow, can occur from excessive and repetitive stress to the area. Most often, the damage occurs when the wrist and fingers make forceful repetitive movements. Symptoms of tendon injuries in the elbow include pain at the elbow that can extend down the forearm, weakness in the hand and wrist, numbness and tingling in the wrist and hand, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Wrist and Thumb
An inflammation of the thumb and wrist area, also referred to as De Quervain's tendinitis, may occur due to repetitive movements of the wrist and hand, such as knitting, writing and gardening. Symptoms of this condition include pain and swelling at the base of the thumb at the wrist. The pain may also extend up the arm when grasping an object, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Immobilizing the wrist may help relieve the symptoms of the inflammation.
Knee
An injured tendon in the knee, also referred to as patellar tendinitis, occurs often in athletes who jump frequently. Additional risk factors for developing an injury to the tendon in the knee is obesity, tight muscles in the leg and a misalignment of the bones in the leg, according to Mayo Clinic. Symptoms of an injured tendon in the knee include pain in the knee that increases with stepping, especially going up and down stairs.
Ankle
The tendon that runs from the calf muscle to the heel, also referred to as the Achilles tendon, may become inflamed or rupture due to repeat stress in the area, especially during high impact activities such as running. Symptoms of an injury to the Achilles tendon include an inability to stand on the toes, pain along the back of the ankle and difficulty walking.
