Tendons link muscles and bones. When muscles contract, tendons overlying joints cause bones to move. Muscle tendon pain can be caused by repetitive strain or overuse injuries, traumatic injuries and certain medical conditions. Although some types of tendon problems are more common than others, most tendon problems can cause pain cause pain or discomfort in the affected area.
Dupuytren's Contracture
Dupuytren's contracture can cause muscle tendon pain. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dupuytren's contracture is characterized by a thickening of the fibrous tissue underlying the skin of the palm and fingers. As the fibrous tissue becomes thicker and tighter, it can cause the fingers to curl or flex. The AAOS states that Dupuytren's contracture occurs more frequently in men than women, and that symptoms tend to manifest gradually. Common signs and symptoms associated with Dupuytren's contracture include one or more painful bumps or nodules in the palm, thick bands of tissue underlying the skin in the affected area and one or more fingers flexed or curled toward the palm. Although all fingers can be affected, the ring and little fingers are most commonly involved. The cause of Dupuytren's contracture is unknown.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
De Quervain's tenosynovitis can cause muscle tendon pain. MayoClinic.com states that de Quervain's tenosynovitis is characterized by painful inflammation of the tendons on thumb side of the wrist. A person with de Quervain's tenosynovitis usually feels pain or discomfort when turning the wrist, grabbing an object or making a fist. There is no known cause of de Quervain's tenosynovitis, although repetitive hand and wrist motions--including knitting, gardening and playing certain sports--can make the condition worse. Common signs and symptoms associated with de Quervain's tenosynovitis include pain and swelling at the base of the thumb, a fluid-filled cyst in the affected area, impaired thumb joint range of motion and squeaking in the tendons around the thumb during thumb movement. Early treatment of de Quervain's tenosynovitis can lead to a reduction in symptoms in four to six weeks.
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis can cause muscle tendon pain. According to the Spondylitis Association of America, an organization dedicated to empowering people with ankylosing spondylitis and related diseases to live life to the fullest, ankylosing spondylitis is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by spinal pain and joint inflammation. Although ankylosing spondylitis usually affects the joints between the vertebrae, it can also cause pain and inflammation in other parts of the body. For example, a person with ankylosing spondylitis may feel pain in locations--known as entheses--where tendons and ligaments attach to bone, along with pain in the joints between the ribs and the spine, pain in the shoulders, hips, knees and feet and pain in the eyes. More advanced symptoms associated with ankylosing spondylitis include a rigid, inflexible spine, weight loss, fatigue and bowel inflammation.
