Tendinitis is the irritation or the inflammation of a tendon. Tendons are thick, fibrous cords that attach muscles to bones. The irritation or inflammation of a tendon results in tenderness and pain near a joint such as the knee or shoulder. The common areas where tendinitis occurs are shoulders, wrists, heels and elbows. Severe tendinitis can result in the rupture of the tendon, a condition which would require surgery. Rest and medication can reduce the pain and inflammation caused by tendinitis. Specific types of pain and inflammation are associated with specific joints that tendinitis can affect.
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a form of tendinitis that causes pain in the outer side of the forearm near the elbow. This pain occurs on the outside of the elbow and can extend to the wrist. The pain occurs when the forearm is rotated or when an object is gripped, such as a tennis racket. Other symptoms include weakness in the forearm, the inability to hold objects, pain that worsens over time and pain when the wrist is extended.
Golfer's Elbow
Golfer's elbow is similar to tennis elbow because it occurs in the same general area of the forearm near the elbow. But whereas tennis elbow pain occurs on the outside of the elbow and forearm, the pain for golfer's elbow occurs on the inside of the elbow, where tendons from the forearms attach to the inside of the elbow, to the bony bump. The symptoms of golfer's elbow are pain and inflammation on the inside of the elbow.
Patellar Tendinitis
Patellar tendinitis affects the tendon that connects the kneecap, which is called the patella, to the shinbone, and the pain occurs in this tendon between the kneecap and shinbone. This pain can be sharp, especially when jumping or running. After exercise, the pain can remain as a dull ache. The pain from patellar tendinitis can start out occurring only at the start of physical activity or after an intensive exercise period. The pain can increase as the intensity of the exercise is increased. The pain for patellar tendinitis can, over time, extend to before, during and after exercise periods and become a constant ache that makes sleeping difficult.
Achilles Tendinitis
The inflammation of the Achilles tendon is called Achilles tendinitis. This usually occurs where the tendon attaches above the heel bone. Pain occurs at the back of the heel. The pain results from small tears in the tendon and inflammation in the tendon tissue. Another symptom is swelling. Also, pain can occur when pushing off with the associated foot during walking or after the a period of rest.
Rotator Cuff Tendinitis
This type of tendinitis causes pain in the shoulder. The pain is associated with the movement of the arm connected to the shoulder. Rotator cuff tendinitis causes pain in the shoulder at night, especially when lying on the affected shoulder. Another symptom is weakness in the shoulder when the arm is raised over the head. Another symptom is shoulder pain when doing an activity in which the hand is raised above the head, such as combing or brushing hair, or reaching for high objects.
Trigger Finger
Trigger finger affects the tendons that control the movement of fingers and the thumb. These tendons slide through sheaths that are made of tissue. When one of these tendons becomes irritated, it can swell, causing it to become stuck in the sheath, in which case the finger becomes locked as the finger is extended. Symptoms of trigger finger include pain in the palm, a small lump on a finger or thumb and a popping sensation in the finger or thumb joints.
